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P. THARYAN (ROY) he November 2019 issue got a trifle late to be printed because we were away covering the prestigious motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. The annual EICMA event in Milan draws thousands of participants from all over the world and also sees visitors from far and near.
As always, it was heartening to see two Indian companies Hero MotoCorp and Royal Enfield (division of Eicher Motors) participate in the event. Though both companies did not have any path breaking products to display, their presence meant that they were serious about the global markets. Other companies that took part in the show included the likes of Ducati, Triumph, Indian Motorcycle, Honda, Yamaha, MG Agusta, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Benelli, KTM, Piaggio Group, BMW Motorrad and Kawasaki among others. The show saw several new launches and upgrades. Motown India has an exhaustive report on the show. Apart from the Eicma 2019 report, we have news on car and bike launches. We were also invited to the TVS MotoSoul 2019 event in Goa. This was the maiden show put up by TVS Motor Company on the lines of the India Bike Week. Going by the efforts the company had put in, the show is bound to gain in stature in the coming years. TVS has put the right foot forward in this spirit soaked region of Goa. This issue also carries a special report on the speed cameras of Delhi that have been set up with the help of Maruti Suzuki. The latter is going all out to make Delhi a safer place when it comes to curbing traffic violations and enforcing strict license testing norms. There are several B2B reports that also make a good read. Do enjoy reading the latest issue of Motown India. COVER PICTURE COURTESY - EICMA
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----------------------------------------------------------------------This issue of Motown India magazine contains 72 pages including both covers. ----------------------------------------------------------------------EDITORIAL ADVISORS Alexander T. & Annie Jacob
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CONTE NTS VOL 10 | ISSUE 2 | NOVEMBER 2019
10 CAR NEWS: Benedict Cumberbatch to endorse MG ZS EV electric car
14
14
BIKE NEWS: Hamara Bajaj unveils
Chetak electric scooter; Price to be announced early 2020
BIKE NEWS: Benelli launches Imperiale 400 at `1.69 lakh
16 EICMA 2019: A Revolution in Motion
36
40
FEATURES: TVS kick starts annual biking event
FEATURES: Maruti Suzuki continues with efforts to
MotoSoul 2019 in Goa
51 B2B NEWS: FADA issues legal
notice to UM Lohia, management for dealers’ losses
8 | MOTOWN INDIA | NOVEMBER 2019
make Delhi roads safer
56 CV NEWS: Busworld Europe 2019
in Brussels is huge electric success
65 TECHNOLOGY: People not ready for shared autonomous mobility, says UK study
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BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH TO ENDORSE MG ZS EV ELECTRIC CAR MG (Morris Garages) Motor India will have British actor Benedict Cumberbatch as the face and ambassador for their upcoming electric car MG ZS EV in India. The MG ZS EV is slated to be unveiled in India in December 2019. Benedict, who was recently announced as MG India’s Brand Ambassador as well as roped in for the brand campaign and seen in the launch commercial for MG in India sporting the Hector Hybrid; will now don a new avatar for the MG ZS EV. “We are extremely charged up and excited to extend our association with Benedict for the MG ZS EV in India. The pure electric SUV from MG’s global stable has seen robust demand from customers in the UK, Thailand and other markets. It is part of our commitment to promote environmentally friendly mobility in India. We realize there is a need to become a catalyst for change and we are happy to do so with the MG ZS EV,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India.
HYUNDAI LAUNCHES NEW SANTRO ANNIVERSARY EDITION AT `5.17 LAKH ONWARD Hyundai Motor India has introduced a Santro Anniversary Edition to celebrate its 1st anniversary. The Anniversary Edition will be a limited edition based on two variants – Sportz MT and AMT, in Aqua Teal and Polar White colours. The ex-showroom Delhi prices of the two variants are: Sportz MT (Anniversary Edition) Rs 516,890 and Sportz AMT (Anniversary Edition) Rs 574,890. Additional features and enhanced upgrades that have been introduced in the Santro Anniversary Edition include: EXTERIORS- Gun metal grey wheel cover, sporty black painted door handles and black painted ORVMs. INTERIORS- black interiors with aqua teal inserts, front side AC vents with aqua teal inserts and new seat fabric - new design based on Santro standard pack seats. The Santro Anniversary Edition will also havel newly developed accessories such as glossy black roof rails, anniversary edition emblem, rear chrome garnish and body side moulding.
SKODA OCTAVIA ONYX LAUNCHED AT `19.99 LAKH ONWARD Skoda Auto India has launched the Octavia Onyx at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 19.99 lakh in the country. The car will be available in three paint schemes: Candy White, all-new Race Blue and Corrida Red. The Onyx comes equipped with the 1.8 TSI (DSG) petrol engine and the 2.0 TDI (DSG) diesel engine from the Octavia model range. The 1.8 TSI (automatic seven-speed DSG) produces 178hp and a torque output of 250 Nm (between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm) while delivering a fuel efficiency of 15.1 kmpl. It achieves 0 to 100 km/hr in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 233 km/hr. The turbo-charged 2.0 TDI offers 141hp power and comes with an automatic six-speed DSG, as standard. The diesel engine option achieves a maximum torque of 320 Nm (between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm), 0 to 100 km/hr in 9.2 seconds, a top speed of 213 km/hr, and on average yields 19.5 kmpl. MODEL
PRICE (EX-SHOWROOM, INDIA)
1.8TSI(DSG)
INR 19,99,599
2.0 TDI (DSG)
INR 21,99,599
10 | MOTOWN INDIA | NOVEMBER 2019
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CAR NEWS
VOLVO CARS LAUNCHES FULLY ELECTRIC VOLVO XC40 Future Volvo customers will need to answer one fundamental question: do you want a new Volvo with a cord or without one? Volvo Cars has introduced the XC40 Recharge, the company’s first ever fully electric car and the first model to appear in its brand new Recharge car line concept. The XC40 Recharge, based on the multiaward-winning and best-selling XC40 small SUV, is the first of a family of fully electric Volvos. It represents a true milestone for Volvo Cars: the company’s first electric car and the first Volvo with a brand new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system. Over the next five years, Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as it seeks to make all-electric cars 50 per cent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. Recharge will be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. From early 2020 customers entering the
Volvo Cars website will first be asked whether they want a Volvo Recharge car or not. To further encourage electric driving, every Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid model will come with free electricity for a year, provided through a refund for the average electricity cost during that period. “We have said this several times before: for Volvo Cars, the future is electric,” said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive. “Today we take a major new step in that direction with the launch of our fully electric XC40 and the Recharge car line,” he added. The XC40 Recharge is everything customers expect from a Volvo, with the addition of a state-of-the-art, fully electric all-wheel drive powertrain that offers a range of over 400 km (WLTP) on a single charge and output of 408hp. The battery charges to 80 % of its capacity in 40 mins on a fast-charger system.
The Android-powered infotainment system is fully integrated with Volvo On Call, the company’s digital connected services platform. Via Volvo On Call plug-in hybrid drivers can track how much time they spend driving on electric power. Every Volvo model in the range includes a Recharge option, from the small XC40 SUV via the 60 Series cars to the company’s flagship, the large XC90 SUV. Volvo Cars is the only car maker to offer a plug-in variant on every model in its line-up.
INDIA CAN LOOK FORWARD TO AN ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX V-CROSS Indian customers of Isuzu vehicles can definitely look forward to a new full-modelchanged Isuzu D-Max pick up vehicle. Sales of this all-new Isuzu D-Max have begun globally. In India, Isuzu Motors India offers the D-Max model both in the commercial vehicle segment as well as the passenger vehicle segment. To live up to popularity of D-Max in Thailand where rain falls steadily, its anticorrosion ability is greatly improved, and it is capable of driving through the river bed for 800mm. Moreover, it’s designed in such a way that its electrical architecture flexibly accommodates evolution in security and connected technologies. The D-Max now has a very chunky exterior profile with a wedge body shape that constitutes more powerful, swishing silhouette than ever before. In the headlamps, bi-led projectors combined with stylish signature lamps are installed giving an eager, intense look. In the tail lamps, dual LED edge lights are employed. These new light designs generate a unique, stylish appearance both front and rear. A neatly integrated step bumper is mounted on the rear, giving an all-new, sophisticated look.
12 | MOTOWN INDIA | NOVEMBER 2019
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BIKE NEWS
HAMARA BAJAJ UNVEILS CHETAK ELECTRIC SCOOTER; PRICE TO BE ANNOUNCED EARLY 2020 Almost ten years after deciding to exit the scooter segment, Bajaj Auto has brought in the good old Humara Bajaj Chetak scooter, albeit in an electric avatar. The swanky looking Chetak electric scooter was unveiled in New Delhi. The iconic Chetak that was once powered by an internal combustion engine had sold more than 13 million units. The company that dominated the Indian scooter market and ran popular ‘Hamara Bajaj’ advertisements in the 1980s and 90s, ended its scooter journey in 2009. The price of the new Chetak electric scooter will be announced early 2020. The new electric Chetak is powered by an IP67 rated high tech lithium ion battery with NCA cells. It can be charged using a standard household 5-15 amp electrical outlet. It has an onboard Intelligent Battery Management System (IBMS) which controls the charge and discharge seamlessly. The company is also offering a home charging station at a nominal cost. The electric scooter will not only be sold in India but will also find its way into the European markets sometime in 2020.
BENELLI LAUNCHES IMPERIALE 400 AT `1.69 LAKH Betting big on the Classic bike segment, the Italian superbike manufacturer Benelli, has launched the much awaited model - Imperiale 400 in the Indian market at Rs. 1.69 lakh (Ex-showroom, India). The Benelli Imperiale 400 is a reinterpretation of a historical model of the Benelli-MotoBi range produced in the 1950s. An authentic bike with a pure spirit that today finds its essence in an elegant and retro motorcycle. Customers can book the Benelli Imperiale 400 for Rs. 4,000, by visiting the Benelli India website or by visiting the nearest Benelli India Dealership. Benelli India is also offering the Imperiale 400 with a three-year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty as Standard. The Benelli Imperiale 400 is introduced with complimentary service for the first 2-years. The company has also introduced an Annual Maintenance Contract for the Imperiale 400 for hassle free customer experience, which can be availed after the completion of the first 2-years. The motorcycle is available in three colour options - Red, Silver and Black. The Imperiale 400 gets an all new SOHC, single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled BS4 engine with electronic fuel injection. The maximum power produced is 21PS @ 5500rpm, with a torque output of 29Nm @ 4500rpm. The Imperiale 400 has a compact and durable double cradle frame. The front gets a 41mm telescopic fork while the rear gets preload adjustable dual shock absorbers. The front gets a 41mm telescopic fork while the rear gets preload adjustable dual shock absorbers.
F77 WILL BE INDIA’S FIRST HIGH PERFORMANCE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE Ultraviolette Automotive Pvt. Ltd., an innovator in sustainable mobility and energy infrastructure, announced that it will unveil its high performance electric motorcycle – F77, on November 13, 2019. Based out of Bangalore, Ultraviolette Automotive is engaged in developing top-of-the-line electric mobility solutions. Inspired by aviation engineering, the Ultraviolette Automotive F77 is a high-end technology oriented, high performance electric motorcycle. It has been developed ground up, with principles used in the aviation industry right from the advanced engineering simulations, multi-level safety systems to the design identity of the motorcycle.
14 | MOTOWN INDIA | NOVEMBER 2019
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EICMA 2019
A Revolution in Motion Report: P. Tharyan; Photography: EICMA / Press Room
16 | MOTOWN INDIA | NOVEMBER 2019
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BIKE NEWS
T
he 77th edition of the Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA 2019) saw the launch of several motorcycles and scooters, apart from two-wheeler accessories like apparel, helmets, tyres and components in Milan, Italy. The latest edition of this International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show witnessed a global “Revolution in Motion” that saw the presence of 1800 brands from more than 40 countries. India’s home grown global companies like Royal Enfield (Eicher Motors) and Hero MotoCorp too participated in the show and showcased their new products. Motown India takes you through some of the two wheelers that were launched at the Eicma 2019.
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HERO MOTOCORP Hero MotoCorp Ltd showcased the Xtreme 1.R concept at the EICMA 2019. The company also revealed a Rally-Kit specifically developed for the acclaimed adventure motorcycle XPulse 200, integrating the learnings from its Dakar Rally experience. The products were unveiled by Malo Le Masson, Head of Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp. The Xtreme 1.R is inspired by the precision of an arrow and it boasts of an aggressive stance. The Xtreme 1.R offers a sneakpeek at the next generation of the Xtreme brand. It has a kerb weight of less than 140 kg. Besides a smart design, the motorcycle comes with LED headlamp and signature LED tail-lamp. The new Rally-Kit for the XPulse 200 has been developed and tested at Hero MotoCorp’s R&D hub – the Centre of Innovation & Technology (CIT) in India. The kit consists of fully
Hero Xtreme 1.R concept adjustable, taller front and rear suspension, flatter seat for easy position change while offroading, extended gear pedal to suit off-road boots, handlebar riser for greater maneuverability while riding standing up, extended side stand for the additional ground clearance, front sprocket 12T, rear sprocket
40T for greater grunt, and rally tyres for relentless traction. The Rally kit is not homologated for road use. Other products on display included the XPulse 200T, XPulse 200 Hunk 200R, Hunk 200S, Ignitor 125 and the Splendor
iSmart. The company also showcased its new range of scooters – Duet 125, Dash 125 and Pleasure+. Three special signature editions of Hunk 200S,XPulse 200T and Dash 125 were also on display.
ROYAL ENFIELD Royal Enfield, part of Eicher Motors, had on display a range of motorcycles at the show. The company unveiled six custom motorcycles including two new Flat Track Customs. The Himalayan motorcytcle was on display with some fascinating colours. The company also showcased the newly launched Bullet Trials for the first time to motorcycling enthusiasts in Italy. Besides this, it had on display its entire motorcycle range including the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor INT 650 models. The new Bullet Trials 500 is a tribute to the legacy of Royal Enfield’s resilient Bullet Trials motorcycle that changed the face of motorcycling with its seminal design and also went on to win several Trials championships of the 1940’s and 1950’s ridden by Royal Enfield factory riders, reinforcing the showcase of Bullet’s resilience and endurance As for the custom builds, the Twin Tracker, Nought T GTs, Two smoking barrels and Gallinella are based on the Royal Enfield Twins 650, while the MJR Roach aptly enhances the versatility of the Himalayan.
18 | MOTOWN INDIA | NOVEMBER 2019
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BIKE NEWS
MV AGUSTA MV Agusta presented the Brutale 1000RR, a year after the launch of the exclusive Serie Oro. The Brutale 1000RR, a premium naked superbike powered by 208 hp, differs from the Serie Oro for some specific details concerning the equipment, but features the same base, the same engine as well as the same electronics. The motorcycle has been built as a powerful naked bike easy to handle and accessible by most motorcyclists at the same time. Full LED headlights with cornering lights, carbon fiber fairings, 5 inches TFT display, for example, are still part of this project. Useful is the MV Ride App, which allows the riders to share routes and read navigation data directly from the dashboard. Specific focus has also been given to aerodynamic solutions such as the “wings” positioned beside the radiator. This last-mentioned element improves downforce and adds load to the front end, limiting lift at high speed.
HONDA The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is an all-new Honda superbike which is capable to offer stunning performances and is determined to become the absolute protagonist not only in the market but also in the Superbike Championships. The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade has been redesigned from the ground up, starting with the engine that now adopts pistons of the same diameter as those used in the MotoGP. Its engine is in fact capable of pumping out 217.5 hp at 14,500 rpm and its weight in running order with fuel is declared in 201 kg. Frame, swingarm and suspension system are also part of this revolution. The Fireblade is equipped with Showa and Nissin components, while the Fireblade SP features Öhlins and Brembo. As for the new Honda CB1000R, a special focus has been given on Black in terms of many details, such as the steering plates, handlebar risers and the headlight frame. With the 2020 model year,
Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade
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NOVEMBER 2019 | MOTOWN INDIA | 19
Honda CB4X Concept
the new Matt Pearl Glare White coloring makes its debut also. The 145 hp and 104 Nm engine together with the chassis remain unchanged. The Honda CB1000R 2020 is now offered in two versions, standard and CB1000R +. The latter comes with quickshifter, heated grips and a range of premium accessories such as metallic meter visor and seat cowl, front fender panel, hugger panel and radiator grill. Honda also unveiled the CB4X Concept. The experimental machine – developed under the theme of ‘fun seven days a week’ – blends elements of Sport and Touring with a healthy dash of Crossover. It’s a design from the imaginative pen of Valerio Aiello, and his team of young designers, and is born from the desire to explore – and push – existing boundaries. Its engine is a classic inline four-cylinder power plant – the essential signature of the Honda Wing. The fuel tank hunches forward, like a cobra ready to attack its prey, while the screen is fully adjustable and integrates into the fairing. And the headlight is set like a diamond, injecting aggressive sophistication alongside the Daytime Running Lights (DRL). A beautiful aluminium subframe underpins the short, sharp tail while the 17-inch front wheel maximises steering precision. The Honda CB4X is an idea dedicated to those riders who live for sports riding – but don’t want to give up the possibility of relaxing, two-up travel experiences whenever or wherever.
BENELLI This Italian motorcycle maker unveiled the Benelli Leoncino 800 and 800 Trail. The historic brand from Pesaro evolved its classic (and successful) family range introducing a new technical platform, based on the twin-cylinder inline 754 cc engine capable of 81,6 hp, which results perfectly integrated into the steel trellis frame. This mechanical element features an excellent 50mm Marzocchi fork along with Brembo radial calipers. The Benelli Leoncino 800 is a one-ofa-kind street classic bike equipped with 17” wheels and an exhaust positioned low. The 800 Trail version recalls immediately the Scrambler models and is characterized by 19” front wheel, high exhaust and suspension system featuring an increased travel. Within 2020 both models from Benelli are expected.
Benelli Leoncino 800
20 | MOTOWN INDIA | NOVEMBER 2019
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BIKE NEWS
TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES The UK based motorcycle manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles unveiled the Triumph Thruxton RS. The Triumph Thruxton RS pushes the limits of the Modern Classic even further. The new machine, equipped with a renewed 1200cc high power Thruxton RS engine, achieves 8hp more power than the previous “R” version. This is delivered by significant engine upgrades including high compression pistons, revised ports and cam profile, a secondary air system and a whole host of lighter weight engine components. It also delivers higher torque punch low down and across the entire rev range, peaking at 112Nm at 4,850 rpm, 700 rpm lower than its predecessor. Furthermore, all these engine updates deliver a 20% reduction of inertia and a new more responsive Thruxton RS engine.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, introduced 2020 FTR Rally. The 2020 FTR Rally builds on the 2019 FTR design framework but adds authentic retro styling to the modern performance capabilities. The FTR Rally features Titanium Smoke paint with the Indian Motorcycle headdress logo, aluminium wire wheels with red pinstripe, brown aviator seat, a new rally windscreen and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. With a commanding riding position and nimble handling, this bike is perfect for city streets or back, canyon roads. The motorcycle is equipped with cruise control, a USB fast charge port, and new ProTaper handlebars that are 50mm higher for better comfort and handling. The FTR Rally also features an LED headlight and LED turn signals offering better visibility with minimal maintenance. The 1203cc V-twin engine features a smooth power delivery with loads of low-end punch. The engine produces 123 hp, 120 Nm of torque and features a flat torque curve to deliver a fun riding experience in all conditions. The engine is housed in a black trellis frame and the FTR Rally will continue to feature an inverted front suspension with radially mounted dual Brembo brakes for exceptional control and stopping power. The 2020 FTR Rally is compatible with the entire range of 40+ accessories specifically developed for the FTR platform.
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KTM KTM of Austria (the company is almost 50 per cent controlled by Bajaj Auto), unveiled three brand new models – the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, the KTM 890 Duke R, and the KTM 390 Adventure – as well as displayed their full gamut of motorcycles for 2020. Racing bikes on display included the KTM 450 Rally, the KTM 250 SX-F, the KTM 300 EXC TPI and the KTM RC16 (MotoGP). The KTM 1290 Super Duke R has been ‘re-Beasted’. The new KTM 1290 Super Duke R, at its third generation, has been reworked although maintaining the traditional family feeling with the rest of the range. The bodywork features now sleeker lines while the chassis has been completely renewed. The frame remains at sight and maintains the steel tubes trellis pattern. Regarding the engine, the LC01 twin-cylinder 1.301 cc has been updated and now is powered by 180 hp and maximum torque of 140 Nm. Its dry weight is declared in 189 kg (-6 kg). Electronics have been refined and modern to be even more effective.
SUZUKI MOTORCYCLES Suzuki Motorcycles unveiled two V-Strom models -- V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050. The V-Strom 1050XT is equipped with a comprehensive electronics package and uses the new Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), which is aimed at enhancing everything from rider comfort to performance and practicality. Riders can select from two ABS modes, depending on the surface and riding conditions. The V-Strom 1050XT’s Motion Track Brake System also includes slope-
The KTM 890 Duke R is a sportier and edgier naked bike for hard riding. More power and more torque come from the new engine, which has been teamed with ‘racier’ ergonomics, better brakes, and fully adjustable WP APEX suspension. The KTM 890 Duke R is ideal for the motorcyclist wanting a more extreme experience or searching for bigger thrills and ‘flickability’ compared to a larger capacity model.
KTM 1290 Super Duke R
KTM 890 Duke R
The new KTM 390 Adventure has harnessed the attributes and DNA from the popular and highly rated KTM 790 Adventure as well as the development information gleaned from
dependent control, which optimises pressure across the front and rear brakes to maintain control and avoid rear wheel lift under heavy braking downhill, and load-dependent control, where the ABS unit constantly learns changes in deceleration through the input of hydraulic pressure as the load increases or decreases, when riding with luggage or with a pillion. The system remembers the optimal relationship between the deceleration and hydraulic pressure. The system also features hill hold
22 | MOTOWN INDIA | NOVEMBER 2019
nearly two decades of Dakar Rally success. A breezy, agile, and ideal entry model for riders keen to discover the ‘adventure’ sensation, this motorcycle offers added versatility for touring and light offroading. Using elements of the KTM 390 Duke as a base,
KTM 390 Adventure
the KTM 390 Adventure offers proximity to the feeling and performance found at the root of the all-conquering KTM 450 Rally but with crucial A2 license compatibility and current Euro emissions standards as part of the package.
Suzuki V-Storm 1050
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BIKE NEWS
control, which means the brake is automatically applied when stopped on an upward slope to prevent roll-back and aid easier starts, especially when laden with pillion and luggage, and rider comfort during long-distance touring is further taken care of with the addition of cruise control. A three-mode traction control system replaces the previous two-mode system. It can also be turned off. Riders can also select from one of three engine modes, which alter throttle response while still delivering the same peak power. The new V-Strom also gets the latest versions of Suzuki’s low RPM assist and easy-start function.
While unmistakably V-Strom, the new design is a thoroughly modern take on the styling of the legendary DR-Z race bike and DR Big production machine. Careful thought went into the finish of the V-Twin engine, with new bolts completing a look that sees the cylinder heads, clutch cover, alternator cover, and water pump case finished in a classy bronze. Completing the striking new look is a new vertically stacked rectangular LED headlight plus LED tail light and LED indicators. The new Euro 5-compliant 1037cc, 90° V-Twin engine in the V-Strom 1050XT puts out more power than the outgoing V-Strom 1000, with peak power
up by 7% to 107 PS, while it maintains its easy-to-use, flexible character and strong linear drive.This is achieved with reprofiled intake and exhaust cams, with increased lift duration and less overlap. Twin-plug heads remain, along with lightweight three-ringtype forged pistons. A new radiator increases cooling capacity by 15%, and there is a new oil cooler. A slipper clutch aids smoother downshifts and lighter lever action. Wheels are lightweight DID aluminium, wire-spoked rims, with a 19” front and 17” rear for dependable performance on a variety of surfaces and in different riding conditions. They wear Bridgestone Battlax
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Adventure A41 radial tyres. V-Strom 1050: The V-Strom 1050 shares many of the features of the flagship V-Strom 1050XT but with some differences to enable a lower price. The V-Strom 1050 shares the same engine and chassis platform as the XT model but replaces spoked wheels with cast aluminium items. Whilst keeping the same three-mode traction control system and three selectable engine power modes, the V-Strom 1050 loses the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System and its cruise control and Motion Track Brake System with linked brakes, hill hold, slope and load control and switchable ABS modes.
NOVEMBER 2019 | MOTOWN INDIA | 23
PIAGGIO GROUP This Italian major with several brands under its belt, presented a number of new motorcycles and scooters. The highly anticipated new Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa and Piaggio models were unveiled on the 1800 square metre Piaggio Group maxi stand. Aprilia RS 660: Created around a totally new technical base, defined by the 660 parallel twin, comes a new generation of lightweight, high-performance bikes that are sophisticated in design. A return to the midsized engine, supported by the electronics and technology of the Aprilia Racing department, to rediscover the pleasure and joy of everyday riding. The first born in this brand-new generation of Aprilia bikes is RS 660. The innovative concept behind the RS 660 project can be summed up by its excellent weight/power ratio that makes for enjoyable riding, whether relaxed or more sports-orientated: 169 kg plus 100 HP is the perfect formula for enjoyment on the road. It features a new frame and swingarm in lightweight aluminium, and a new highperformance parallel twin engine accessible to everyone. Inherited from the unbeatable RSV4, the electronic equipment comprises a Ride-by-Wire throttle and a six-axis inertial platform for optimum operation of the APRC electronic aids. It offers five Riding Modes designed to regulate the behaviour of the electronic controls for safety and fun during daily riding, dynamic riding on the road, and extreme riding on track. Aprilia Tuono 660 Concept: The Tuono 660 Concept best
Aprilia RS 660
expresses the new concept of sports versatility introduced by Aprilia with the new family of motorcycles designed around the new 660 cc twin-cylinder that, with the Tuono 660 Concept, is able to deliver 95 HP. The Tuono 660 Concept is ideal for new riders, as it is also available in a 34 kW version, but also for young motorcyclists moving up from smaller engine capacities and who seek a high-level naked sports bike, able to offer daily thrills and fun on the road and even support the rider during occasional track sessions. Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory: Thanks to new and highly sophisticated semiactive suspension, the fastest, most powerful and lightweight RSV4 of all time becomes even more efficient on track and enjoyable on the road. The control unit that governs the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension has access to all the bike’s electronic systems, meaning it is able
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Aprilia Tuono 660 Concept
Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
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to recognise all riding phases and therefore adapt calibration of the fork, shock absorber and steering damper hydraulics thanks to the development of an algorithm, the fruit of collaboration between Öhlins and Aprilia. Aprilia RSV4 is conceived around a 65° V4 engine with incredible maximum power of 217 HP, never before seen on a factory sports bike. Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory: Tuono V4 1100 Factory is the most exclusive version in the Tuono range, dedicated to an extremely demanding public and equipped with components that largely derive from the Aprilia RSV4 superbike. The front mudguard, engine cover and side panels of the Factory are now in carbon fibre, a prestigious material that, as well as being lightweight and resistant, is able to boost the level of construction quality, now at a peak. The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory offers, as standard, the most advanced and efficient electronic suspension system currently available, the latest
Aprilia Tuono V41100 Factory technological frontier proposed by manufacturer Öhlins and developed in close collaboration with Aprilia engineers. The particular technology of the Smart EC 2.0 semi-active
suspension system allows for simple and even customised calibration of the fork and shock absorber with two operating modes on the units: semi-active mode and manual mode, both of which can be selected using the buttons on the
Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel
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handlebar. The wide range of electronic equipment includes Cornering ABS as well as the advanced package of APRC electronic controls. The Aprilia V4 engine delivers maximum power of 175 HP and maximum torque of 121 Nm, values at the top of the category: a real generator of excitement, on both road and track. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel: Moto Guzzi presented the Travel version, ready to take to the road with its complete dedicated range of equipment. Featuring, as standard, a higher Touring windshield, a pair of very spacious panniers, a set of heated hand grips, a pair of additional LED lights, and the Moto Guzzi MIA multimedia platform that allows a smartphone to be connected to the vehicle, extending the instrument cluster functions. The Sabbia Namib colour is exclusively dedicated to
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Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer 10th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone S V85 TT Travel. Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone S: Making its debut at the show was Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone S, a sportier and more sophisticated interpretation of the Mandello best-seller. The only member of the 2020 V7 III family to be produced in a limited edition, Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone S will be manufactured in just 750 units. Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer 10th Anniversary : Born in 2010, Moto Guzzi V7 Racer has always been the ambassador of the V7 range, the bike with the sportiest spirit of all. V7 III Racer 10th Anniversary celebrates this first decade with an updated look that continues the tradition. The new V7 III Racer version differs significantly from its predecessor in terms of its front end, which stands out for the new top fairing with incorporated windshield, in authentic Café Racer style. The top fairing is enhanced with dedicated red graphics -
also picked up on the saddle cover hump - which flaunt the “10th Anniversary” celebratory detail. At the centre of the top fairing is the new, full LED headlamp, while the tail light and turn indicators are also LED. A modern and dynamic look that is also emphasised by a thinner, sleeker rear mudguard, and by brand-new “bar end” rear view mirrors. Piaggio Medley: Piaggio Medley combines the agility of an urban vehicle with the dynamic performance of a high wheel model and the comfort and loading
Piaggio Medley
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capacity of a big GT scooter: the perfect formula for all-round mobility. The new design puts the emphasis on sportiness, with a totally redesigned front end, at the centre of which the new vertical element stands out, characterized by a 3D honeycomb grille, a modern interpretation of the classic “tie”. Also new is the shape of the handlebar, which accommodates the new full LED headlamp and a brand-new digital LCD instrument cluster. Making its debut on the Piaggio Medley is the latest evolution in the family of Piaggio i-get engines, with 125 and 150 cc engine
capacity: both are liquid-cooled, with 4 valve distribution and electronic injection, and deliver 11 and 12.1 kW respectively, putting them among the most powerful in the category. Equipped as standard with the “Start & Stop” function, now further honed, as well as dual channel ABS, the new Piaggio Medley boasts equipment normally reserved to a higher class of scooter, introducing the smartphone connectivity system to the mid-size high wheel scooter segment for the first time. Piaggio Beverly range: Piaggio Beverly, a leader in the high wheel scooter segment, presented its new 2020 range at the show, available with 300 and
Piaggio Beverly
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350 cc engines. Piaggio Beverly 350 Tourer, the new flagship in the Beverly range, comes as standard with the practical and sporty tinted top fairing and spacious 36-litre top box which matches the vehicle and comes complete with backrest to match the saddle. Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon: Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon is a special edition that expresses all the creative energy linking Vespa and Sean Wotherspoon, one of the most creative and influential designers on the American landscape. Sean takes the steel body of Vespa Primavera and creates a new style dedicated to young urban tribes, but one that can also appeal to a wider audience. The Vespa Primavera 125 (RED) special edition has its entire body painted in the characteristic Rosso (RED) colour, including the wheel rims that immediately stand out together with the entire silhouette,
making for a truly unique and recognisable model. Further enhancing this brand-new Vespa version is the essential and iconic Vespa (RED) logo that, flanking the Piaggio Group “shield� on the distinctive Primavera front tie, adorns the front shield in contrasting white. Vespa Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon
Primavera (RED) is powered by a modern 125 cc singlecylinder fourstroke i-get engine that is air-cooled and complete with electronic injection and 3-valve distribution.
Vespa Electtrica 70km/hr
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Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h: Faithful to its role as innovator, Vespa Elettrica continues to evolve and was presented in its new 70 km/h version, which flanks the original 45 km/h version, created mainly for urban use and so homologated as a moped. The heightened performance offered by Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h (homologated as a motorcycle) is the result of Piaggio Group experience with the Power Unit and lithium ion battery and the optimisation of all its components. The increased performance does not affect the acceleration typical of Vespa Elettrica while its range remains almost unchanged: in ECO mode, with its speed limited to 45 km/h, Vespa Elettrica 70 km/h guarantees the same maximum range of up to 100 km, while in Power mode it is possible to cover up to 70 km.
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KAWASAKI Kawasaki, the motorcycle maker from Japan unveiled three models at the show- the 2020 Ninja 1000SX, a feature packed Z650 and Z900. The 2020 Ninja 1000SX marks the fourth generation of a successful sport touring platform. Cleaner emissions with the same great performance, sportier, more dynamic new styling, a singlesided muffler and all-LED lighting feature on the new spec list. Sport and Touring capability; the 2020 Ninja 1000SX offers the Best of Both Worlds. Increased seat comfort for both rider and passenger is just one of the modifications that also include the debut of Electronic Cruise Control, a Quick Shifter, integrated Riding Modes combining KTRC and Power Modes and 10.9cm all-digital TFT colour instrumentation with smart phone connectivity – making this refined Sport Tourer more attractive than ever. The new styling accentuates the new all LED lights including head and tail lights plus licence plate light and indicators while grip is delivered via Dunlop Roadsport Sportmax 2 tyres. Ergonomically thicker, wider rider and passenger seats deliver increased comfort, facilitating longer hours in the saddle with the rear seat cushion being wider, it offers a greater surface area. Couple this with a new design of screen adjustable in no less than four positions - plus the option of a larger accessory screen and distance riding is enhanced further still for the coming year.
Kawasaki 2020 Ninja 1000SX rider mode options. For further convenience, a Bluetooth chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using Kawasaki’s Rideology smartphone application a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Functions include vehicle information such as remaining fuel, distance covered and maintenance schedule. General settings such as preferred units and date format can be adjusted via Smartphone while the TFT
Rider aids that previously included an electronic cornering management function plus intelligent anti-lock braking are augmented by four selectable
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screen itself can also show - via an icon - if a telephone call or email has been received by the smartphone plus the screen brightness automatically switches between three rider-set levels to suit the available light. An up and down quick shifter is standard equipment in 2020 while twin silencers make way for a single sporty silencer mounted on the right hand side. Dynamic sport riding is enhanced by the adoption of
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres while the overall look becomes more sporting with numerous subtle changes to the styling including a new front mudguard. Touring fans can be reassured that the innovative clean mount accessory pannier system continues for 2020 plus the option of accessory heated handlebar grips and even an under seat USB port as part of a long line of practical and sporty genuine accessory items.
Kawasaki Z650
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BIKE NEWS Three new colours appear for the new season, metallic graphite gray / metallic diablo black sits alongside emerald blazed green / metallic carbon gray / metallic graphite grey and pearl blizzard white / metallic carbon gray / metallic spark black. Feature packed Z650 for 2020: As innovators and leaders in the ever-growing naked bike class, Kawasaki have not rested on their success and the new Z650 represents a fresh iteration of a justifiably popular middle-weight model. Crafted using Kawasaki’s unique Sugomi philosophy - that matches each engineering plus with a styling plus – the Z650 sits proudly in a Z class that extends from 125cc all the way to 1000cc. And ever since its launch for the 2017 season, the muscular looking Z650 has delighted riders in the middle weight class with its no-nonsense looks allied to a fun and easy riding experience that rewards time served riders as much as those who have only recently been drawn to two wheels. Designed with the A2 licence category in mind, the Z650 with its narrow chassis profile and willing, predictable engine is either a great stepping stone towards a larger Z model or – for many – all the motorcycle they will ever want or need. Engine flexibility from tickover to the red line and urban manoeuvrability are just two of the Z650’s recognised strong points, the confidence inspiring twin is also an ideal out of town and weekend thrills machine either solo or with a passenger who will additionally benefit from a revised and comfier rear seat. For 2020, the Z takes a giant
stride forwards with the fitment of a stunning multi-function colour TFT meter with a 10.9cm screen replacing the previous meters with such items as gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge and Economical Riding Indicator plus other innovations including Bluetooth Smartphone connectivity. Additionally there’s now LED lighting front and rear plus Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres fitted as standard. Z means style and fashion so no surprise that the Z650 now has the ability to connect to the riders’ smartphone for the new season. Pairing via Bluetooth is simple and, via Kawasaki’s own Rideology App, functions such as GPS route information and scheduled service information can be accessed in addition to all the normal notifications. Taking things in the braking and comfort departments to the next level, the 2020 Z650 has a new spec rear seat with deeper and wider padding allowing even greater distances to be covered with a passenger in confidence and comfort. The visible trellis type chassis of the Z650 remains unchanged with its angular bodywork magnifying the purposeful looks that have made it such a sales hit. And a new look demands new colours so three options will be available in 2020. Candy lime green / metallic spark black is bound to be popular while metallic spark black on its own is going to be a default for a certain type of rider. Finally pearl blizzard white / metallic spark black is the third and final of three great Z650 options. Z900 becomes a screen star for 2020 season: Updated for 2020, the Z900 maintains the “Exciting and Easy” concept of its
Kawasaki Z900
predecessor, while offering the next step in aggressive Z Sugomi styling. A host of advanced new features appear including integrated Riding Modes (combining newly added KTRC and Power modes), new TFT colour instrument screen, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, all-LED lighting and cleaner emissions. Consistently at the head of the field in its capacity class of the naked sector, the Z900 is available in two versions for 2020, a full power machine rated at 125PS and an A2 specification model with 95PSavailable. At the core of Kawasaki’s Z offering, the Z900 has been a consistently strong seller within Europe where the naked bike market has grown each year to become one of the dominating style sectors. Into this hotly contested environment the Z900 for 2020 is well prepared for the fight with the addition of Kawasaki’s highly praised KTRC traction control and the ability to select from four different rider modes and two power modes. This rider-centric approach extends to the cockpit area where a 10.9cm multi-function TFT meter screen appears for the first time displaying all the
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essential rider information plus allowing the rider to interrogate certain reporting functions of the machine using a Bluetooth connection via the unique Kawasaki Rideology App for smartphones. Functions that can be seen on the smartphone screen when connected via Bluetooth include vehicle information such as remaining fuel, distance covered and maintenance schedule. General settings such as preferred units and date format can be adjusted via Smartphone while the TFT screen itself can also show - with an icon - if a telephone call or email has been received. Need power for the phone or other devices? An under seat USB power socket is just one of the many Kawasaki Genuine Accessory items available for the latest Z900. The Z900 is equipped with an LED head and tail lamp plus licence plate light and indicators. Both versions of the Z900 (full power and A2) will be available in the same new colour options in 2020. Those being metallic graphite gray / metallic spark black plus candy lime green / metallic spark black and pearl blizzard white / metallic spark black with the fourth option of metallic spark black / metallic flat spark black.
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DUCATI
front-end ‘feel’ at extreme lean angles.
Even before the EICMA 2019 had started, Ducati had unveiled its latest bikes and Ebikes for 2020. These were subsequently displayed prominently at the Ducato stand at Eicma. The new models for 2020 included the Streetfighter V4 / S, the Panigale V2 and the Panigale V4 / S. There were new versions that included the Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour, Diavel 1260 S “Ducati Red”, Diavel 1260 “Dark Stealth”, Scrambler Icon Dark and Monster 1200 “Black on Black”. Apart from this, Ducati also unveiled its latest ebikes- Ducati MIG-RR Limited Edition, Ducati MIG-S and E-Scrambler. The first of the all-new Ducati bikes for 2020 was the Panigale V2. The twin-cylinder Panigale has a completely new look, as
HARLEY-DAVIDSON Displayed for the first time publicly at EICMA, HarleyDavidson showcased two allnew middleweight motorcycles, including the release of information surrounding the latest signature HarleyDavidson V-Twin engine – the Revolution Max. The powerful all-new 60-degree V-Twin has been designed for a new range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in two different guises – 1250cc in the new Harley-Davidson
Powering the Panigale V4 is the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale: a MotoGP-derived 90° V4 with Desmodromic timing, a one-of-a-kind engine with a counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse firing order. The engine can deliver 214 hp at 13,000 rpm and a torque of 12.6 Kgm at 10,000 rpm, making for extremely satisfying road riding.
well as sophisticated Inertial Platform-based electronics and, thanks also to a comfortable seat and its suspension set-up, it offers better yet safer sports performance while making road riding more enjoyable and userfriendly than ever. It is powered by a 995 cc Superquadro engine with a maximum power of 155 hp at 10,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm (Euro 5 compliant).
The Panigale V4 is now equipped with content taken from the V4 R, starting with the aero pack (aerofoils, Plexiglas screen, nose fairing and larger lateral fairings, more efficient side vents for radiator throughair). This provides better airflow protection and improves overall vehicle stability, enhancing confidence. Completing the update is the Front Frame, with modified stiffness to give better
Pan America and 975cc in the Harley-Davidson Bronx.
Davidson Pan America is an all-new advanced adventure touring multi-purpose motorcycle equal parts campfire, wanderlust, and grit. The Pan America is a two-wheel multi-tool built to endure, designed to explore, and engineered for the unknown.
Harley-Davidson first announced expansion into new segments including new middleweight offerings in its More Roads to Harley-Davidson accelerated plan for growth in July 2018. These exhilarating new models will both launch in late 2020 extending the iconic brand into new market segment. Pan America: The Harley-
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Bronx: The new Harley-Davidson Revolution Max powertrain is also at the heart of an all new Bronx. This middleweight streetfighter model rolls with
Ducati also showcased the new Streetfighter V4, the super-naked long awaited by enthusiasts worldwide. The foundation of the Steetfighter V4 is a Panigale V4 stripped of its fairings and equipped with high, wide handlebars. Weighing 178 kg, it is powered by a 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine, its 208 hp kept under control by biplane aerofoils and a latest-generation electronics package: a combination of factors and modifications that Ducati calls the “Fight Formula”.
an unapologetic attitude and performance to match. Powering both the new Pan America and Bronx models is the new liquid-cooled 975cc and 1,250cc Revolution Max engine. Created to power a range of new Harley-Davidson models, the Revolution Max is designed to offer flexible performance with a broad powerband that builds to a surge of high-RPM power. Minimizing weight and maximizing performance,
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the Revolution Max provides a narrow powertrain profile that is integrated into the motorcycle as a stressed member of the frame to enhance center of gravity and handling. The fully balanced powertrain has an internal counter balancer that mitigates primary engine vibration to enhance rider comfort and improve vehicle durability. Its design is bold and contoured, classic and contemporary, strong and svelte – a representation of Harley-Davidson performance and style.
Pan America
RevolutionMax 1250 Engine Performance Targets-Displacement 1250cc, more than 145 horsepower, more than 122Nm peak torque. Revolution Max 975 Engine Performance Targets- Displacement 975cc, more than 115 horsepower, more than 95Nm peak torque.
Bronx
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BMW MOTORRAD BMW F 900 XR: The acronym “XR” does not lie. The new 900 is the second component belonging to the BMW Adventure Sports family. Based on the new twin-cylinder platform shared with the “R” model, the BMW F 900 XR features a dynamic yet comfortable riding. This new steed is equipped with 270° twin-cylinder inline 895 cc engine capable of 105 hp and 92 Nm maximum torque. It comes with unique high specification from a technical point of view, such as adaptive cornering light, connectivity features and various Riding Modes. It will be also available in a 48cc version suitable for beginners with A2 driving license. BMW F 900 R: The BMW F 900 R has been completely redesign from the ground up. As a matter of fact BMW technicians revamped not only the GS range but also its F 900R mid-sized naked, in order to obtain the perfect dynamic balance between performance and lightness. Compared to that of the GS, the engine of the F 900R increases in displacement up to 895 cc and capable of 105 hp while it continues to adopt the usual layout. The frame is a first. The suspensions are new and the possibility of adopting (only at the rear) the ESA semi-active suspension system is confirmed. The F 900 R is equipped with two Riding Modes while the “Pro” Riding Modes are offered as optional. This machine will be also available in a new 35 kW version, suitable for riders with an A2 driver’s license.
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YAMAHA MOTOR COMPANY Yamaha Tracer 700: The Yamaha Tracer main novelty comes from the windshield, which hosts a couple of LED headlights, the same technical solution also used for the arrows. Also hand guards and windscreen are new. The rider takes now advantage of a greater aerodynamic protection and benefits of a more comfortable riding position, thanks to a larger handlebar and an exclusive one-piece seat. Best comfort is also guaranteed by a new 41mm fork together with single shock absorber. Another characterizing element of the new Yamaha Tracer 700 is the 689 cc CP2 twin-cylinder engine. As a matter of fact it has been upgraded to intake, injection, ignition and exhaust and now meets the latest Euro 5 emission regulation. The new Yamaha Tracer 700 will be available in three different colours. Yamaha TMax 560: Yamaha presented a renewed maxi-scooter TMax: it perfectly combines new style to new mechanics. The Yamaha TMAX, which now meets the latest Euro 5 emission regulation, features a capacity increase up to 560 cc; power increases by 3.5% while maximum torque peak is 6% higher. The design maintains a familiar shape but is updated almost in all components, particularly in the rear area, that now features a sleeker line. The Yamaha TMAX is available in two versions: standard or Tech MAX. The first adopts the 2-level D-Mode selector, traction control and Smart Key system as standard. The Tech MAX variant is ready to accommodate the needs of the most demanding riders. That is why it comes with a top-level array of features, which includes electric adjustable windshield, cruise control, heated hand guards and seat together with the opportunity to use the dedicated MyTMAX Connect App.
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FEATURES
TVS kick starts annual biking event MotoSoul 2019 in Goa
T
VS Motor Company inaugurated its maiden annual event for racing enthusiasts–MotoSoul 2019 in Goa. The company not only launched the TVS Racing Performance Gear during the event but also announced its team for the upcoming Dakar rally next year. Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team
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announced the squad for Dakar Rally 2020. India’s ace rider Harith Noah will make his Dakar Rally debut, while Johnny Aubert will represent Sherco TVS Rally Factory team for the first time in the Dakar Rally. The Dakar Rally 2020 is scheduled to take place between January 5 and 17,
2020 in Saudi Arabia. The team includes seasoned racer Michael Metge (France), Enduro Champion Lorenzo Santolino (Spain), and Johnny Aubert (France), and India’s ace rider Harith Noah. The Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team, has had an impressive year with strong performances at all international events in 2019 including Merzouga Rally, Desert Storm,
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FEATURES
Baja Aragon, and aims for a strong finish at Dakar 2020. Dakar 2020 is the 42nd edition of the annual international Rally-Raid which will be taking place in the dunes of Saudi Arabia. It will be a journey through unknown landscapes, unexpected challenges, untold stories and unbelievable memories, commencing at Jeddah passing through Riyadh and culminating at Al Qiddiya. This is Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team’s sixth consecutive year of participation in the Rally.
MOTOSOUL 2019 Meanwhile, the two-day event, attended by over 2,500 people, saw a congregation of Apache Owners Groups(AOGs) as well as riding enthusiasts from across the globe making it an ideal platform to launch the TVS Racing Performance Gear. The TVS Racing Performance Gear will be available in two categories: Riding Gear: Helmets, Riding Jackets, Riding Pants, Riding Gloves, and Riding Boots. Urban/Casual Wear: T-shirts,
Urban Jackets, Urban Pants, Rain Wear, Casual Boots, Bag Packs, Caps, and Sunglasses. The TVS Racing Performance Gear will be available in select TVS Motor dealerships across the country and online.
&A with
MEGHASHYAM L. DIGHOLE Head of Marketing, Premium business, TVS Motor Company
What prompted your company to actually start a biking event like MotoSoul? The whole purpose of MotoSoul 2019 was to give a platform to all our customers. The TVS
Apache brand has become so big. We have almost 3.5 million plus customers all across the world and we have a very unique customer engagement programme from TVS Racing
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and TVS Apache brand. We have around 35 registered Apache Owners Groups (AOGs) across India and we wanted to unite them
under one umbrella and we wanted to create a platform for all of them to come together, interact with all of us, interact with all the racing experts, the race riders, etc. We have
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FEATURES our Dakar rally team, besides our race riding team, here. So visitors can talk to them and engage with them. That’s the purpose. We want to create a good platform for all. Is this an exclusive TVS product show? No. Here we have invited everybody who are interested in biking. So it is not only for TVS Motor Company customers, it is for anyone who wants to talk about performance, biking and riding. We want everybody to have fun. Goa already hosts the India Bike Week show. Now this is the second bike show perhaps. Do you think Goa has a space for two big biking shows? Goa has got space for many such shows. This is the land of fun, land of activities, land of youth and land of energy. So I think it can absorb many such shows. And Goa is a very unique place and has a very unique atmosphere and we are expecting lot of customers. What are you trying to tell the audience out there? Is it about your product or something which is beyond your product? This is far, far beyond a product. The TVS brand, TVS racing brand and TVS Apache brand are growing so significantly in the country and we wanted to create a platform for all people to come and have fun with us. That was the purpose. Now they have given so much back to us, we also want to give something back to them and we want to have fun together with all of them. We wanted to create a platform where they can interact with us. Very rarely they get a chance to talk to
the international riders, talk to them about their international riding experience and race experience. So do you think this show will always be a two-day show? Or is it just a beginning and seeing the response maybe in future you may step up your act? Definitely. It will go places. We have started for the first time with a two-day show. We are already seeing a fantastic response and a fantastic feedback from the customers. We will come back to you with all our expansion plans in multiple places where we can host a similar show. Do you also feel your product TVS Apache is very close to the hearts of the youth, so maybe through this show you might be able to explain and educate them further? Yes, for sure. That is why you can see lot of our bikes and products on display. In one place as you can see all our racing bikes on display. It’s
Winning a race is all about team work and we are working on it.
a good opportunity for us to share our history and our success stories. We started racing in 1982 and we have a racing experience of around 37 years. We have dominated most of the races that we have participated. You also participate in one of the toughest races in the world - the Dakar Rally. Here you have seen a mixed result. What’s been the overall experience both in terms of racing as well as in terms of product development? Every race that we participate in is a learning experience and every time we are trying to better our performance, our product and our riders.
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Why Goa of all the places, does Goa have that right spirit that excites a biker? Definitely there is a lot of ‘spirit’. The whole atmosphere here is so electrifying with its young crowd. The entire country’s youth comes here to have fun and that was the purpose why we selected Goa to be the place for this event. You have a racing pedigree but you also promote stunt biking. Tell us something about it. Yes it’s part of fun. A bike means it has got multiple dimensions. It is used for commuting and riding and it is all about having fun and doing stunts. We are promoting stunts in a very responsible manner. We have never promoted any stunts on road. As you see, the stunts going on outside, is always done by trained stunt riders. We do not permit untrained people or novices to do stunts.
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FEATURES
MARUTI SUZUKI continues with efforts to make Delhi roads safer Maruti Suzuki, the leading passenger car manufacturer in the country, is taking a great initiative to ensure road safety and discipline on Indian roads. Motown India recently covered the company’s contribution towards making Delhi roads safer by setting up automated driving license centres across the capital city.
Now it is also focusing on ways to curb over speeding and violations relating to red light, stop line and wrong side movement. This project that involves Red Light Violation Detection System (RLVDS) and Speed Violation Detection System (SVDS) involves the installation of around 100 advanced High-resolution cameras that use a 3D HD Radar enabled technology. This new initiative was launched early 2019 by Lieutenant Governor Delhi Anil Baijal along with Amulya Patnaik,
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FEATURES
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FEATURES Commissioner, Delhi Police, RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki and. Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki.
maintaining it for two years.
The project is the first of its kind in the National Capital Region and is aligned with Government’s focus to bring down accidents and fatalities in the country.
The technology is currently deployed at junctions on project corridor from Mayapuri to Sarai Kale Khan, a distance of approximately 19 kms. While this is a Maruti Suzuki enabled project, the Delhi Traffic Police on its own is setting up such cameras across various traffic points in the capital.
Maruti Suzuki has invested about Rs 16 crore in setting up the system. From its launch in February this year, the hightech system has been under the charge of Delhi Police while Maruti Suzuki along with its implementation partners – DIMTS and Aabmatica – will be
Motown India team visited the traffic police monitoring centre at the Delhi Traffic Police headquarters in Todapur, near Naraina. The system automatically encrypts and transfers the data of violation to this centralised server here. The system facilitates generation of e-challans along
with photo evidence and sends it to the violators through SMS/ email/post. The system is also capable of doing data-analytics and generating trend reports for monitoring system-effectiveness and efficiency.
number plates.
The feedback from the respective cameras at various junctions on Delhi roads is beamed live to this centre where a team of traffic policemen sit behind computers screening the traffic and looking out for violators. The policemen work in three shifts, 24 x 7. The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera is equipped with Infrared capability to facilitate night viewing and capturing of violations including
For a country that accounts for the highest number of road deaths in the world, this Maruti Suzuki- Delhi Traffic Police initiative will go a long way to check violators on Delhi roads. This high technology automated system is expected to instill a culture of discipline amongst motorists and promote adherence of traffic rules. It is time for other Indian cities to follow suit with such a technology.
These high definition cameras are able to capture multiple violations like Stop line, High speed, Red light and wrong direction.
&A with
MEENU CHAUDHARY (IPS)
Joint Commissioner Police, Delhi Traffic Police
How effective is the hi-tech camera project on Delhi roads executed with the help of Maruti Suzuki ? We executed this project in February 2019. Since then we
have been recording a number of violations on the system. We are able to enforce traffic norms in a proper way. A lot of penalties have been imposed on people violating these
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norms. These cameras detect several violations and not just the speed of a vehicle. Is that right?
Basically we are recording four violations. One is over speeding; another is stop line violation, red light violation, and movement of traffic against the flow of traffic.
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FEATURES These four violations are getting recorded through the system. Once a violation is detected, the traffic department issues an e-challan. How does this work? According to the data available here with me, we were able to send SMS in about 55 per cent of the cases, and subsequently the violators have paid their fines. We also issue print notices. Thus notices are being sent, either through sms on mobile phone or through printed challans to the address at which the vehicle is registered. Have there been instances where the address or phone number of the violator was not available? What happens when the vehicles is carrying a fake number plate? The system is not able to detect a fake number plate. That is not possible through the system. Yes, sometimes we are unable to match the mobile
number given for the vehicle. In those cases we have to depend on the print notices. What about violations among commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles, which segment of drivers, commit more violations? The present system is simply capturing the higher speed limit which is given in the system. We have not been able to differentiate between the commercial vehicles and the private vehicles. The cutoff is the maximum speed limit. Whichever vehicle crosses the limit, the violation is detected, it is then validated and then the notice is sent. We have other means of enforcing the law for commercial vehicles. We have speed mounted cameras, speed guns, interceptors, etc. We also do normal checking on various roads. Now that everything is computerized, how often do you come across cases of habitual offenders?
From the data we can definitely take out names of habitual offenders. We are in the process of identifying habitual offenders. Are these cameras effective at night too? Yes, they are very effective. The cameras are able to capture the picture of the number plate even if the light is very low. Apart from this initiative between the Delhi Traffic Police and Maruti Suzuki, the former has its own set of cameras at various junctions and roads in Delhi? Yes, the Delhi Traffic Police on its own is installing speed cameras on roads and we are half way through. We have Red light violation detection system (RLVD) cameras that also detect over speeding. We are putting these all over the city. We have identified stretches where over speeding is happening. We also have a long term plan to fit these cameras all over the city.
Coming to speed limits, don’t you think the limit of 50kmph in most parts of the city is rather low especially when vehicles come equipped with more powerful engines and have more than a handful of safety related features like ABS, ESC, EBD, traction control, air bags, etc? Setting a speed limit is a continuous exercise. Through our field officers, we take the inputs, and we keep on revising the speed limits. The traffic in Delhi is multi mode. You have a bicycle, a three-wheeler, cars, trucks, etc. A lot of cameras are installed at traffic intersections. Is that a very vulnerable spot? The red light violation only happens at a crossing. So will a stop line violation. It is difficult to cover every junction through a policeman. These cameras come very handy here. The cameras at these junctions are able to detect a whole lot of violations, stop line, red light, over speeding, lane changing, etc. But we are also putting up cameras in other places too. It’s not just at the junctions we are putting up these cameras. Have violations come down since the time these cameras have come into place? We have yet to do such an audit. But violations are happening every day and we are recording them. Without conducting an audit, I cannot comment on this question.
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FEATURES
Rides and celebrations mark 90 years of JAWA The year 1929 was when the Jawa journey started. To be precise, the date was October 23, 1929.To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the iconic Jawa motorcycle, the company that brought back Jawa in India, Classic Legends, organised several rides through its “Kommunity”. The Delhi ride circumnavigated through landmarks that also shared their 90th birthday with Jawa – Safdarjung Airport and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Interestingly, the Czech Ambassador to India and his delegation were part of this ride, sitting pillion with Kommunity and Jawa team. Milan Hovorka joined Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, in leading a group of Jawa ‘Kommunity’ members
on their Jawa motorcycles on a celebratory breakfast ride. In Mumbai the ride that started from the Bandra dealership culminated at café Ideal Corner, the place where the Indian Jawa journey began. The ride was flagged off from Jawa Motorcycles’ dealership in suburban Bandra and the convoy rode across the city to reach café Ideal Corner in South Mumbai. The Mumbai ride witnessed Boman Irani, Co-founder, Classic Legends and Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO, Classic Legends ride along with Jawa Kommunity riders to revisit the iconic café, which used to be an Ideal Jawa dealership earlier. This ride also witnessed riders of Jawa, both vintage and modern riding together
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the country’s rich heritage. This 90th milestone has been cast in metal in the form of the Jawa 90th Anniversary Edition motorcycle that was unveiled to guests during the ceremony. This commemorative model will be limited to just 90 units.
and breaking bread afterwards. The evening saw an elegant celebration at the Czech Embassy in India graced by Jawa’s iconic motorcycles spanning across the glorious ninety years and diplomats from around the world. Jawa has an iconic following in Czech Republic and is considered a national icon and a key part of
The 90 units will be allotted to customers who already have a booking for the Jawa models and those who will be making a booking on or before October 30th 2019. Customers wishing to opt for this model will enter a draw of lots and 90 lucky ones will stand a chance to own this iconic piece of history. Once allotted, the motorcycle will be immediately dispatched to the customers irrespective of their booking date, sequence and existing waiting period.
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B2B NEWS
Selfies, discussions for German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel at Continental office
I
t was not merely a selfie time with German Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel at Continental’s India facility in Gurugram. While the Chancellor did meet the staff of the company and take time out for some pictures, she was accompanied by a German delegation on November 02, at the end of a three-day state visit to India. The visit included a tour of the company’s safety technologies that are manufactured in India, followed by a visual overview of the company’s growth in India, the substantial contribution to Continental’s global R&D efforts and sustainability initiatives. Continental’s Gurugram plant is dedicated to the production of brake systems and technologies, which contribute to Vision Zero: Zero Fatalities, Zero Injuries, Zero Crashes, a global commitment of the technology company. The products include hydraulic and electronic brake systems, for passenger cars and 2-wheelers. The facility also houses a R&D lab that caters to global and regional R&D requirements for
who took a ride in the driverless Robo-Taxi, CUbE, demonstrated by Continental together with the French company EasyMile (Continental is a shareholder of EasyMile since 2017), TCI contributes significantly towards this, specifically on Camera, Radar and Lidar technologies.
Continental’s brake systems business. The delegation toured the production area of both hydraulic and electronic brake systems’ clean room and interacted with the operations associates. According to Prashanth Doreswamy, Country Head, Continental India, “It was a great opportunity for Continental India to showcase some of our key technologies, reaffirm our commitment to localisation, and equally important, highlight our
engineering capabilities to the Chancellor”. Another key showcase to the delegation was an overview of Continental India’s contribution to the global mobility market, through its in-house R&D center, Technical Center India (TCI). The centre, which employees over 4000 engineers, works on global projects, and has achieved increasing levels of competency in several niche areas. The centre houses the largest pool of engineers working on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including autonomous driving technologies. Interestingly, at the recently concluded IAA 2019 Frankfurt, Federal Chancellor Dr. Merkel was one of the high-profile visitors
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Additionally, Continental India’s contribution towards the global mobility ecosystem was also covered in the visual showcase. This included Software Academy, a key learning initiative of Continental aimed at skilling & re-skilling of workforce, to meet the changing requirements of the automotive industry of the future. The software academy, headquartered in India, focuses on topics such as Agile Development, Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence. The company has always looked ahead and planned for future requirements, which has enabled it to develop cost-effective, localised safety and e-mobility solutions for the Indian market. Continental is investing in extensive R&D and localisation of technologies for the future. Apart from the plant in Gurugram, where two new production lines were added recently to meet requirements of ABS and ESC, the company recently announced two new greenfield projects in Pune. As India begins to focus more on e-mobility and safety technologies, Continental is working towards providing all the required technologies, manufactured in India.
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B2B NEWS
Groupe PSA, FCA to merge into Euros 170 billion auto behemoth
B
arely five months after rejecting French auto major Groupe Renault as its bed partner, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has hopped back into the bed with another French automobile major – Groupe Peugeot S.A. According to a press release, Groupe PSA and FCA plan to join forces to build a world leader for a new era in sustainable mobility. The proposed combination would create the 4th largest global OEM in terms of unit sales (8.7 million vehicles), with combined revenues of nearly 170 billion Euros (approx. Rs 13,48,262 crore). This new merged entity will be owned 50% by Groupe PSA shareholders and 50% by FCA shareholders. FCA brands include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Ram and Maserati. It also sells parts and services under the Mopar name and operates in the components and production systems sectors under the Comau and Teksid brands. Groupe PSA owns five car brands, Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall and provides a wide array of mobility and smart services under the Free2Move brand. Groupe PSA is also involved in financing activities
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through Banque PSA Finance and in automotive equipment via Faurecia. In early June 2019 the Board of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles which met under the Chairmanship of John Elkann, had resolved to withdraw with immediate effect its merger proposal made to Groupe Renault. Among the several reasons for its decision, FCA had stated that “it has become clear that the political conditions in France do not currently exist for such a combination to proceed successfully.” Coming back to the FCAPSA union, the Supervisory Board of Peugeot S.A. and the Board of Directors of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have each unanimously agreed to work towards a full combination of their respective businesses by way of a 50/50 merger. Both boards have given the mandate to their respective teams to finalize the discussions to reach a binding Memorandum of Understanding in the coming weeks. The proposed combination would create the 4th largest global OEM in terms of unit sales (8.7 million vehicles), with combined revenues of nearly 170 billion Euros (approx. Rs 13,48,262 crore) and recurring operating profit of over Euros 11 billion on a simple
aggregated basis of 2018 results excluding Magneti Marelli and Faurecia. The significant value accretion resulting from the transaction is estimated to be approximately Euros 3.7 billion in annual run-rate synergies derived principally from a more efficient allocation of resources for large-scale investments in vehicle platforms, powertrain and technology and from the enhanced purchasing capability inherent in the combined group’s new scale. These synergy estimates are not based on any plant closures. It is projected that 80% of the synergies would be achieved after 4 years. The total one-time cost of achieving the synergies is estimated at Euros 2.8 billion. Both Groupe PSA and FCA are convinced that the merger will create an industry leader with the scale, capabilities and resources to capture successfully the opportunities and manage effectively the challenges of the new era in mobility. The shareholders of each company would own 50% of the equity of the newly combined group and would therefore share equally in the benefits arising from the combination. The transaction would be affected by way of a merger under a Dutch parent company and the governance structure of the
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B2B NEWS
new company would be balanced between the contributing shareholders, with the majority of the directors being independent. The Board would be composed of 11 members. Five Board members would be nominated by FCA (including John Elkann as Chairman) and five would be nominated by Groupe PSA (including the Senior Independent Director and the Vice Chairman). John Elkann is an AmericanItalian industrialist. He was the chosen heir of his grandfather Gianni Agnelli, and chairs and controls Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The Chief Executive Officer would be Carlos Tavares for an initial term of five years and he would also be a member of the Board. Carlos Tavares said: “This convergence brings significant value to all the stakeholders and opens a bright future for the combined entity. I’m pleased with the work already done with Mike and will be very happy to work with him to build a great company together.” Mike Manley, CEO, FCA said, “I’m delighted by the opportunity to work with Carlos and his team on this potentially industrychanging combination. We have a long history of successful cooperation with Groupe PSA and I am convinced that together with our great people we can create a world class global mobility
company.”
Participations and DFG.
The new group’s Dutchdomiciled parent company would be listed on Euronext (Paris), the Borsa Italiana (Milan) and the New York Stock Exchange and would continue to maintain significant presences in the current operating head-office locations in France, Italy and the US.
Prior to the completion of the transaction, FCA would distribute to its shareholders a special dividend of Euros 5.5 billion, as well as its shareholding in Comau. In addition, prior to completion, Peugeot would distribute to its shareholders its 46% stake in Faurecia. This would enable the combined groups’ shareholders to equally share in the synergies and benefits that would flow from a merger while recognizing the significant value of FCA’s differentiated platform in North America and strong position in Latin America, including its market-leading margins in those regions. It would also reflect the added value that FCA’s higher-end global brands Alfa Romeo and Maserati would bring given their substantial development potential.
According to the press release, it is proposed that the by-laws of the new combined company would provide that the loyalty voting program will not operate to grant voting rights to any single shareholder in the Shareholders Meeting exceeding 30%4 of the total votes cast. It is also foreseen that there would be no carry over of existing double voting rights but that new double voting rights would accrue after a three-year holding period after completion of the merger.
The extended portfolio would cover all market segments with iconic brands and strong products based on rationalized platforms and optimization of investments. The proposal would be submitted to the information and consultation process of the relevant employee bodies, and would be subject to customary closing conditions, including final board approvals of the binding Memorandum of Understanding and agreement on definitive documentation, the release added.
A standstill in respect of the shareholdings of EXOR N.V., Bpifrance Participations SA, DFG and the Peugeot Family would apply for a period of 7 years following completion of the merger. EXOR, Bpifrance Participations and the Peugeot Family would be subject to a 3- year lock-up in respect of their shareholdings except that the Peugeot Family would be permitted to increase its shareholding by up to 2.5% during the first 3 years following the closing, only by acquiring shares from Bpifrance
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B2B NEWS
Shuttl records 1,00,000 daily rides on its platform Shuttl, the urban mobility innovator offering demandadaptive seat-based bus mobility solution for urban commute, has announced that it has achieved a staggering ridership of over 1 lakh rides per day across all the key cities Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai and has surpassed 100cr revenue in FY2018-19. The company, which has been contributing immensely in transforming the Indian urban mobility landscape, grew 2x Y-o-Y and attributed its growth to its commuters who adopted its business model across the nation. Headquartered in Gurugram, Shuttl which raised over $ 50 million since its inception in 2015, has widen its footprint by rolling out a structured set of services in six metropolitan cities including the recent launch in Chennai. The company has
a passionate team of experts working dedicatedly to offer hassle free services to its riders across the territories and built a wide network of 350+ routes by operating 1,800 buses across locations. Shuttl has marked over 33 million rides till date and has registered the download of its app over 1.8 million times. The company was founded by two IITians- Amit Singh, Co-founder and CEO and Deepanshu Malviyia, Cofounder. Amit Singh said his company was glad to have established Shuttl across cities and have been able to provide a sustainable alternative to the daily commuters, especially who travel long distances daily. It attributes its our sustained growth to its riders and uniquely designed services that it is offering them. “Our endeavor
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is to deliver a safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable mobility for urban India, and by attaining one lakh daily ridership, we are confident that our constant efforts to enhance asset utilisation, lowering transportation costs and improving rider convenience will help us transform the mobility landscape of cities in future,� he said. The company crowd sources users demand from diverse platforms and carefully analyses them before creating one of the finest route-maps for the riders so that their on-road time reduces significantly. Not only this, Shuttl’s app-based service allow its commuters to discover routes, purchase pass, reserve a seat, and travel at structured timings without any stress at affordable prices. In addition, in 2017, the company also launched the SAFE (Safe Anxiety Free Experience) project which provides multiple safety
checks to every commuter through various embedded technology features, backed by a live emergency support. Interestingly, due to its highquality service, Shuttl has witnessed 57% users shifting from cars to Shuttl buses as their primary mode for daily commute with 38% of Shuttl users as women, highest amongst all modes of commute in the country. The company has also saved over 50K of CO2 emissions since inception and has helps remove 27000 cars daily from the congested road. The company serves over 1 lakh rides daily and operates over 1,800 buses in DelhiNCR, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai. Shuttl pioneered the solution in April 2015 and is supported by investors such as Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Amazon, and Dentsu.
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B2B NEWS
Continental, Vitesco Technologies unveil broad range of motorcycle products At the Eicma 2019 show at Milan in Italy, the Continental stand also included Vitesco Technologies, the Powertrain Division, which was spun off as part of the Continental Group’ s organisational restructuring. The Group offers a broad range of technology related products in the two-wheel sector. The innovations presented in Milan included cloud-based services and easy-to-implement connected services solutions, as well as a flexible camera system, multifunctional engine controls and motorcycle tyres for all types of terrain.
VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES: BROAD PORTFOLIO, 48-VOLT ELECTRIC DRIVE READY TO GO Like Continental Powertrain, Vitesco Technologies offers a broad portfolio of innovative products in the field of two-wheel and powersports, ranging from engine control systems and a variety of sensors and actuators to fuel and exhaust management systems. The solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of the individual markets and meet the latest emission standards such as Euro 5 (starting January 2020), China 4 including on-board diagnostics (OBD, since July 2019) and Bharat 6 including OBD (starting April 2020 in India). In addition, Vitesco Technologies is intensively involved in electric drives for twowheelers, benefiting from comprehensive know-how gained in the passenger car sector, where Continental has long been a pioneer in drive electrification. Initially, the focus here will be on the Asian markets. For this reason, the first step consisted in developing a drive system capable of replacing combustion engines with an engine displacement of up to 150 cc: a 48-volt machine complete with associated electronics, which will soon begin serial production.
ENGINE CONTROLS FEATURING MANY ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS – TAILOR-MADE FOR ASIAN MARKETS Vitesco Technologies’ EICMA innovations focused on the latest generation of engine control systems for single-cylinder gasoline engines with an engine displacement of 50
to 250 cc – again with a clear focus on Asia. In this “Air Module Engine Control Unit,” all the essential components for controlling the combustion engine are integrated in the throttle valve housing. Since gasoline injection is becoming the standard in Asian markets due to stricter emission standards, Vitesco Technologies has tailor-made products for these markets in its portfolio: the M4L engine control system, which has already gone into series production in China, and the M4A and M4B, which will celebrate their market premiere in India in 2020. The systems are extremely compact and robust, and set standards in terms of price/ performance ratio - and their microprocessor brings the potential for new functionalities on board. So the M4L module has been further enhanced and made Bluetooth compatible. With the help of an app developed by Vitesco Technologies, the driver can display the average speed or average consumption using a smartphone, but can also read out the DTC memory of the in-vehicle diagnostic system. Keyless Go and Key-Sharing are also available in the new M4L_BLE version. The other M4 versions provide even more advanced capacities. For example, the M4A can be integrated into a CAN communication, and the functional flagship M4B can use an additional sensor to detect when the motorcycle falls to its side and switch off the fuel supply.
CONTINENTAL CAMERA SYSTEM Continental presented a new development for modern driver assistance systems ARAS at the Eicma: the first camera system for twowheelers that works with a satellite camera. The system consists of a satellite camera with complete dust and splash protection (DIN 40050 IP6K9K) in combination with a scalable, powerful control unit (ADCU), which is able to handle additional ARAS functions. This “2-box solution” with its very small camera that can be easily integrated into the front of the vehicle and an extremely compact control unit that can be installed
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under the seat, for instance, offers the vehicle manufacturer maximum flexibility. This also applies to the functionality. This is because the system is designed to later merge camera technology with radar technology, which is already used in various ARAS functions. As a stand-alone solution, the new camera system enables the detection of objects, position determination within roadway markings and functions such as traffic sign recognition (TSR) or the intelligent headlamp assistant. Continental also presented a Connected Services solution where a smartphone can be left in the pocket because it only serves to establish the connection between the motorcycle and the services hosted in the Continental cloud. The information will then appear directly on the cockpit instrument display. Continental is starting the 2020 motorcycle season with six innovations in the tyre segment, including three sports tyres with a broad range of applications.
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B2B NEWS
Vitesco Technologies to exhibit motorcycle solutions at EICMA 2019 Vitesco Technologies which was earlier known as Continental Powertrain division will be exhibiting its motorcycle solutions at the upcoming Eicma 2019 (public days 7–10 November). Continental’s Powertrain division was carved-out as part of the corporation’s realignment process and now operates under the name of Vitesco Technologies, with its own corporate design, its own online presence, and its own social media accounts. The reason for the carve-out of the Powertrain division was because the rapid changes in the market environment due to the more stringent exhaust emission regulations globally. Organisational independence gives Vitesco Technologies the required entrepreneurial scope to respond promptly and individually to the wide range of requirements. This is expressed in the name: “Vitesco,” derived from vita (Latin for life), stands for energy, speed, and agility, and “Technologies” underpins the innovative aspiration to offer pioneering technologies, systems, and services. Just like Continental Powertrain, Vitesco Technologies has a wide range of innovative products in the twowheeler and powersports field—from
engine control units to a variety of sensors and actuators and fuel and exhaust gas management systems. These provide the customized solutions for the special requirements of each respective market and meet the latest emission standards such as Euro 5 (from January 2020), China 4 including On Board Diagnostics (OBD, since July 2019) and Bharat 6 including OBD (from April 2020 in India). In addition, Vitesco Technologies is working intensively on electric drives for two-wheelers and is thereby benefitting from extensive know-how in the passenger vehicle sector, where Continental has been a pioneer of drive electrification for many years. This focus is primarily on the Asian markets. “As a first step, we are concentrating on solutions for vehicles which were previously driven by combustion engines with an engine displacement of up to 150 cc,” states Torsten Bellon, head of Non-Automotive Product Line at Vitesco Technologies. “For this vehicle class, we will offer a 48-volt electric machine with corresponding electronics. We are in the process of completing the conceptualization and will shortly be starting the series development,” he says.
Mahindra Two Wheelers Europe to acquire 100pc Peugeot Motocycles
Mahindra Two Wheelers Europe, a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd), will be acquiring all outstanding shares in Peugeot Motocycles (PMTC), taking its share to a complete 100pc. Peugeot Motocycles, a manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, is headquartered in Mandeure, France. It may be recalled that in January 2015, Mahindra Two Wheelers Europe had acquired a 51% equity stake in PMTC from PSA with the aim of growing the business. Since then, Mahindra Two Wheelers Europe and the PMTC team have worked together on reorganising and building the ’Performance 2020’ plan, which was unveiled in July 2018. It lays the foundations to strengthen the company’s operations to achieve future growth in core markets such as the G7 (Europe), while expanding into new geographies, including select Asian markets. The company will be launching seven new products between 2019 and 2021. The brand’s presence in Europe will be fortified, with France remaining a major market and PMTC’s headquarters still based in its historical location, Mandeure. The Peugeot brand will continue to be used in the future under the Trade License Agreement between PMTC and Peugeot. In addition, the Peugeot design teams will continue to assist in the design and development of PMTC products in close cooperation with PMTC management and the Mahindra Group. For instance, the Peugeot 308 i-Cockpit technology was introduced recently with the launch of the Peugeot Pulsion in its two-wheeler version i-Connect.
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B2B NEWS
FADA issues legal notice to UM Lohia, management for dealers’ losses The Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) has through its counsel Khaitan & Co, issued a legal notice to UM Lohia and its management, asking them to redress all grievances of dealers relating to the losses suffered by the dealers due to actions of UM Lohia. The UM Lohia management has been asked to take steps to ensure the maintenance and servicing of motorcycles already sold in accordance with the warranty terms and law. If UM Lohia and its management does not respond to FADA’s legal notice, FADA will have no other option but to take appropriate legal measures against the Company, its management and all others concerned with this matter. FADA will also update and involve Government Authorities in this matter. FADA is taking up the cause of the dealers of UM Motorcycles which used to manufacture and sell motorcycles in India. The motorcycles were manufactured at the Kashipur, Uttrakhand plant of UM Lohia Two Wheelers Pvt. Ltd. UM Lohia is a joint venture between the Lohia Group and UM Motorcycles, an American motorcycle company. The joint venture was set up in 2016 to manufacture and sell in India ‘American’ style motorcycles under the brand of UM Motorcycles. These included the Renegade and Commando range of motorcycles. According to FADA, the dealers are aggrieved by the dishonesty and fraud on part of the management and promoters of UM Lohia, including founders Ayush Kumar Lohia and Jose Miguel Villegas. Motown India had met both Jose as well as Ayush Lohia a couple of months back and they had said that they would be reviving the company in a few months of time and would also be introducing new products in the Indian market. But according to a FADA press release, the
dealers’ woes began as soon as UM Lohia entered the market with its motorcycles. It soon came to light that the so called ‘American’ motorcycles were actually being assembled from Chinese parts at UM Lohia’s manufacturing plant in Kashipur. Consumer interest immediately dipped as no one wanted to purchase cheap Chinese replicas of ‘American’ motorcycles. The brand lost its value, and with it the investments of dealers, who were now holding a product few desired. Further, at the time when the entire automobile industry in India was moving towards BS-IV emission standards, UM Lohia chose to enter the market by introducing BSIII motorcycles in the 2nd half of 2016, even though, the ban on sale of BS-III vehicles was to take effect in a few months, from April 2017. As soon as the ban on BS-III vehicles came into effect, the dealers of UM Lohia were left with a huge inventory of BS-III motorcycles which was not only undesired by customers but now also legally unsellable. UM Lohia, however, refused to compensate dealers for this unsellable stock and also refused to return the advance payments given by many dealers. It is only after much cajoling that UM Lohia even acknowledged the problem. Even then, instead of buying back the BS-III motorcycles from the dealers and returning their advances, UM Lohia came up with the scheme to sell BS-IV motorcycles to dealers in lieu of their stock of BS-III motorcycles and advances. However, the BS-IV motorcycles supplied by UM Lohia were entirely unfit to ply on roads with several basic components such as EFI Module controller and gear breaking down within few days of use of the motorcycles by the
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customers. To make matters worse, according to the FADA release, UM Lohia has now surreptitiously folded up its operations and shut down its warehouse for spare parts making it impossible for dealers to service the warranty claims on the defective UM motorcycles. As a result, many dealers have been exposed to litigation from customers of UM motorcycles. In all this, UM Lohia, its promoters and its management, have shown no inclination or interest in resolving the dealers’ grievances, despite several attempts made by the dealers, first themselves, and then, through FADA. The promoters of UM Lohia have now started new ventures – the Lohia group is now investing in the e-vehicles segment and once again finding dealers for this new venture. Accordingly, to protect the interests of the customers and the dealers, FADA, through its counsel Khaitan & Co, has issued a legal notice to UM Lohia and its management.
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B2B NEWS
Kia busts recession myth, sells a record 12,850 units in October 2019 In a car market that has of late been witnessing some severe downturn, there is good news from the Kia Motors India stable which recorded sales of 12,850 units for its Seltos SUV during the festive season. The company’s maiden product for India, the Seltos SUV saw such great sales in the month of October 2019 amid the overall industry slowdown. In pure revenue terms, the sales would have fetched the company anywhere around Rs 1500 crore overall. The ex-showroom price of a Kia Seltos vehicle ranges from Rs 9.69 lakh to Rs 15.99 lakh (ex showroom). Since its launch in August 2019, Kia has sold 26,840 units of Seltos in less than 70 days. With these impressive sales figures, the company has become India’s 5th largest auto manufacturer. In achieving this feat the Seltos has not only overtaken many established and newly launched SUVs in different segments but also led the way in addressing the unmet needs of the Indian car-buying customers by
surpassing customers’ expectations in all areas. Kia Motors India has already received over 60,000 bookings for the Seltos till now and to ensure the timely and seamless delivery Kia has started the 2nd shift to ramp up the production at its state-of-the-art production facility in Anantapur. The company also shared that it will not close the bookings as the brand’s plant is fully capable of meeting the rising demand for the Seltos. The Korean automaker is elated to see such a strong demand for its product and has ambitious plans for the Indian market going forward. Kia makes the Seltos at its manufacturing facility in Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh. Construction of Kia Motors’ first manufacturing facility in India has been completed and commenced the mass production in August 2019. The manufacturing facility has an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 units.
MG Motor India hits another milestone, rolls out 10,000th unit of Hector MG (Morris Garages) Motor India has manufactured 10,000 units of the Hector, its debut offering in India, at its Halol manufacturing plant. The landmark has been achieved within just four months of the Hector’s launch in the country. The carmaker plans to ramp up its production for its second shift beginning in November this year, in line with the increased component supply from its global and local vendors. It has received bookings of over 38,000 units for the MG
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Hector. “With the re-opening of bookings, the MG Hector has further gained momentum as the most compelling proposition in the SUV-C segment. Our endeavour is to ensure customer satisfaction through timely vehicle deliveries in the coming months,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India. The carmaker has recently re-opened bookings of the MG Hector, India’s first internet car, on September 29, 2019.
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B2B NEWS
Millennials are not villains, they love their vehicles, says a Duff & Phelps study This is one report that India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman needs to read carefully. Duff & Phelps, a global advisor to companies has stated that contrary to views that auto sales are down because millennials, who currently make up one-third of the world’s population, are not interested in buying motorised vehicles, the millennials are actually interested in vehicle ownership. In fact, the global automotive industry is currently facing serious economic headwinds and declining sales, leaving industry players wondering if millennials will drive the industry forward or break from past generations on car ownership. The Millennials and Auto Trends Report released by Duff & Phelps, a global consultancy firm, shows that concerns that millennials are less interested in car ownership may be overstated. For the report, Duff & Phelps surveyed 2,150 millennials from across the world on car-buying preferences and the factors driving these trends. The report found that the overwhelming majority of millennials (75%) expect to purchase or lease a car within the next five years, indicating that millennials
may be responsible for turning around the struggling automotive industry in the coming years. The findings also suggest that factors including environmental concerns, city-dwelling and availability of public transportation and ride-hailing services have not dampened millennial interest in car ownership.
Seventy-five percent of global respondents indicated that they currently own or lease a car and 83% of that group expect to purchase or lease another car in the next five years. More than half (55%) of respondents who do not currently own a car expect to acquire one in the next five years. When extrapolated to the full millennial population, this indicates the potential for a substantial uptick in car purchases in the coming years. Surprisingly, city dwellers’
preferred method of transportation is driving their own car, despite the myriad of public transportation, ridehailing, biking and walking options. Eighty percent of global city dwellers said that they plan to buy or lease a car in the next five years, while 88% of the city-dwelling respondents who already have a car expect to purchase or
lease another one in the next five years. Despite the common perception of millennials as an environmentally conscious generation, the majority of millennials across the globe (85%) indicated that having a car is a necessity for independence and convenience, and generally preferable to other, more environmentally-conscious options like ride-sharing or public transportation. Additionally, millennials
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identified price as one of the biggest factors in a car-buying decision over factors like environmental impact, aligning with the preference of 54% of respondents for traditional gas and diesel engines. Though most are currently considering expense and convenience over environmental concerns, the findings do indicate that millennials could create a significant market share growth opportunity in the coming years for hybrids or all-electric vehicles (EVs), which have a combined global market share of just 4.7%. Thirty-six percent of respondents said they find these cars the most appealing, compared to gas or diesel. Varun Gupta, Managing Director, Head of Asia Pacific Valuation Advisory Services and India Country Leader, comments:“In our inaugural Millennials and Auto Trends Report, we explore interesting trends regarding millennial car ownership and what these mean for automotive industry growth. Although alternative transportation, such as scooters, mopeds and motorcycles, are used often by Indian millennials, it is clear that they value car ownership. This should be music to the ears of the Indian car industry which is currently grappling with sluggish demand.”
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B2B NEWS
Berlin, Auckland, Moscow lead global mobility; Indians savvy with travel apps Berlin (Germany) and Auckland (New Zealand) are the world leaders in urban mobility, according to new analysis from Kantar’s Mobility Futures study. Kantar is the world’s leading data, insights and consulting company. While Berlin and Auckland score on urban mobility, South East
Asia leads the way in travel app usage. Residents of Mumbai and Jakarta on average use over five apps to navigate in and across their city. Meanwhile, the German capital tops Kantar’s City Mobility index on account of its cost-effective travel and ease of access to a wide variety of public transport infrastructure and ride-sharing services. Conversely, due to limited public infrastructure, Johannesburg, Sao Paulo and Nairobi languish at the bottom of the ranking, which assesses the affordability and availability of transport options. The study, based on more than 20,000 commuter interviews across 31 cities, coupled with in-depth interviews with 53 of the world’s leading mobility experts, aims to inform urban transport planning and development around the world, and help shape business strategies for both new and existing players in the transport and mobility sector. Kantar also assessed the world’s greatest cities on their environmental credentials in its Green Commuter index. According to the analysis, Asian cities are leading the way in environmentally-friendly commuting with Tokyo taking the top spot, followed by Beijing and Singapore. This is driven by a low proportion of solo drivers and a high proportion of walkers, cyclists and public transport users. In Europe, London ranks as the most environmentally friendly commuter city because of its extensive rail and underground network.
OTHER FINDINGS FROM THE RESEARCH INCLUDE:
• Car is still king: Despite growing environmental concerns, commuters still love their cars because of the status symbol, convenience, or often out of necessity. Globally, 39% of urban commuters drive to work alone – more than any other mode of transport. And
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B2B NEWS
THE CITY MOBILITY INDEX TOP 10
THE GREEN COMMUTER INDEX TOP 10
RANKING
CITY
SCORE
RANKING
CITY
SCORE
1
Berlin
90.7
1
Tokyo
84.7
2
Auckland
90.0
2
Beijing
78.6
3
Moscow
84.1
3
Singapore
73.3
4
New York
82.9
4
Nairobi
72.3
5
Munich
79.5
5
London
69.6
6
Milan
79.0
6
Copenhagen
68.5
7
Montreal
78.5
7
Seoul
68.1
São Paulo
66.4
8
Warsaw
78.4
8
9
London
75.1
9
Amsterdam
65.2
10
Paris
74.7
10
Moscow
64.6
with public transport eliciting the most negative emotional response of all transport modes, it’s no surprise that people are opting for the ease and comfort of a private vehicle. • Amsterdam and Copenhagen are home to the world’s “supercyclist” commuters, ranking at no. 1 and no. 2 in Kantar’s Cycle index respectively. Beijing rounds out the top three.
• South East Asia also leads the way in travel app usage. Residents of Mumbai and Jakarta on average use over five apps to navigate in and across their city. On Chinese mainland, the average number of apps is lower than the rest of the world, since car and bike-sharing providers have already integrated into other more widely used apps such as Baidu, Alipay and WeChat to make their offerings even more accessible. “The great cities of the
world are exciting and energising places to live – but as populations increase, and the pace of life intensifies, urban mobility poses a growing challenge,” commented Guillaume Saint, Global Automotive & Mobility Lead at Kantar. “Our research reveals that one of the biggest challenges facing global cities today is moving commuters away from the convenience and comfort of their cars, and onto more sustainable transport options. Understanding people’s pain points and emotional response will be key to driving meaningful
behavioural change. People are more likely to use modes of transport that bring a little bit of delight into their daily commute and become a lifestyle choice rather than just a way to get around. “Cities have much to gain from developing people-centric mobility solutions. The likes of Berlin and Auckland are earning a reputation for being a great place to live – and commute – and these cities will attract the brightest minds into the local workforce, while improving the mental and physical health of those already living there,” said Saint.
Pictures for representation purpose only
• Residents of Tokyo and Manchester are the world’s biggest walkers, with the proportion of commuters choosing to walk to work
reaching 18% and 16% respectively.
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Busworld Europe 2019 in Brussels is huge electric success The biggest Bus and Coach only exhibition in the world organised its first edition in Brussels from October 18 to 23, 2019. Earlier, the show was held was always held at Kortrijk. Although Busworld never determines a specific theme, the electrification theme developed itself naturally during this edition. Almost every bus, present inside and outside the Brussels Expo, was equipped with an electric driveline. It was all about batteries, autonomy, kWh, charging possibilities… clearly electricity was in the air. The show was bigger and better than ever. All numbers increased: more space (50,000 to 79,000 sqm), more exhibitors (376 to 511 of which 176 were newcomers) and more visitors (37,274 to 39,798). The overall feedback was very positive, 2019 most definitely will be a milestone in Busworld’s history.
of Busworld, reacted proudly: “Of course this is the best possible evolution for Busworld we have been working and hoping for. Edition after edition, the growth and internationalisation went hand in hand. We would not have been able to do this without the loyal support of our exhibitors.” Relocation to Brussels Due to the continuous growth of the Busworld show, it was decided to move to a bigger exhibition centre: Brussels Expo. Not all exhibitors and visitors were convinced about this idea from the start. Kortrijk Xpo was a very popular location, although it had been too small for quite a while. But then after the event, everyone was unanimous: it was the right choice.
Around 511 exhibitors came out of 37 countries with a top 3 of Turkey, Germany and China. Visitors came from 143 countries which is a significant difference in comparison with 118 countries in 2017. Busworld clearly confirmed and even reinforced its bi-annual international sales and networking platform for all professionals in the bus and coach industry around the world.
Mieke Glorieux noted: “We did it! It was a lot of work and a lot of sleepless nights, but we can all be very proud of the result. I want to thank all people involved in this success: my own team, the Kortrijk Xpo team who moved to Brussels with us to organise the extra services and last but not least the Brussels Expo team, who did a tremendous job in hosting us. I am, as always, very grateful for the many exhibitors who supported us and the numerous visitors that came, more than ever, from all over the world. So in short: I am very happy!”
Redgy Deschacht, President
Busworld Awards, the winners
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
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Like in previous editions, Busworld organised its own competition: the Busworld Awards. All vehicle manufacturers were invited to take part in it with the vehicles they presented during the show. The Grand Award Bus went to the hydrogen-powered Van Hool Exqui.CityFC Design Pau. Thanks to its capacity of operational autonomy, which totally surpasses that of other vehicles,
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the hydrogen fuel cell bus has also been awarded the Ecology Label. The jury praised the safety features, the completely separated driver space with centrally located controls, the excellent visibility for the driver and the multitude of cameras covering the entire external area of the bus. The Grand Award Coach
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
went to the Volvo 9900. It wins through good scores on design, maintenance, driving quality, comfort and acceleration. Safety is another asset of this coach, which yields Volvo the Safety Label once again. The jury was impressed by the passive & active safety automated fire extinguishing system, black box system and on board computer, the driver passive safety (energy absorption zone) and the passenger safety (light entrance and exit).
Overview of the awarded Labels of Excellence: BUS • Comfort Label Bus: Mercedes-Benz eCitaro • Safety Label Bus: MAN Lion’s City Hybrid • Design Label Bus: Yutong U12 • Ecology Label Bus: Van Hool Exqui.City FC Design Pau COACH • Comfort Label Coach: Van Hool EX11H • Comfort Label Coach:
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
SetraTopclass S 531 DT • Design Label Coach: Yutong T13 • Ecology Label Coach: Yutong ICe12 • Safety Label Coach: Volvo 9900 More than 1,000 participants for the Busworld Academy programme. The Busworld Academy programme during Busworld Europe welcomed 154 speakers and 1,017 participants of which 550 in the International Bus Conference. Launched in 2013, it grew in 4 editions from 40 to over 1,000 participants in 2019. Seminars and conferences were organised in collaboration with UITP, VIAS, ICB-institute, Ghent University, GNVA and the American Bus
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Association. The current hot topics in the bus industry were covered: the evolution towards autonomous buses, the implementation of Mobility as a Service and the ongoing digitalization, the way towards low and zero emission bus services, the future of SME’s in our industry, the import regulations for buses and components in the US, improving road safety via adapted infrastructure, etc. The 550 International Bus Conference delegates visited the exhibition through thematic visits, organized by UITP. The next edition of Busworld Europe will take place in Brussels Expo from 8 to 13 October 2021, when Busworld will celebrate its 50th birthday.
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Ashok Leyland showcases BS-VI trucks and buses
India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group showcased its wide range of Bharat Stage (BS) VI trucks and buses. After receiving the certificates, confirming compliance to BS-VI emission standard, from Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Ashok Leyland becomes the first Indian OEM to meet the BS-VI emission norms across the full range of heavy duty trucks (GVW of 16.2T and above). In continuation to its commitment to innovation, again with its indigenous technology, the company has come out with amid-NOx technology for BS-VI vehicles. Ashok Leyland has addressed the requirement for the new norms with a relevant and customized approach once again. Along with this, Ashok Leyland will be introducing the Modular Vehicle Platform that will efficiently cater to the diverse needs of the customers. Commenting on the new BS-VI vehicles Dheeraj G. Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said that be it the in-line pump for
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BS-III or the iEGR for BS-IV, the company has consistently stayed ahead of the curve. “We are the first OEM to get BS-VI certification for our complete range of heavy duty trucks. This will be introduced with the new Modular Vehicle Platform which will provide customised solutions to address our customers’ specific needs,” he noted. Anuj Kathuria, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland said the company has developed an entire new modular vehicle platform for its new range of BS VI vehicles and is confident of meeting the increasingly dynamic customer requirements, with multiple options of Loading Spans, Cabins, Suspensions, and, Drivetrains. These combinations would be offered to the customers through a custombuilt product
configurator, he added. Dr. N. Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland, said the new range of BS-VI trucks has adapted many innovations to suit Indian conditions. Ashok Leyland today offers a comprehensive range of trucks and buses catering to an entire gamut of day-to-day commercial vehicle needs - from intercity light commercial vehicle to 49-tonne long haul trucks and wide range of buses, to safe transport and driver-friendly choices.
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
World premiere of new MercedesBenz Zetros truck Mercedes-Benz has announced the world premiere of its new-generation Zetros truck. This off-road truck is made for transport goods in tough and inaccessible terrain. The 40-tonne off-roader has been designed specifically for operations in markets with a high proportion of off-road use. The new Zetros has been completely re-worked all-round: from a technical standpoint, the
new-generation Zetros comes equipped with more powerful engines capable of delivering as much as 510 hp as well as a 2400Nm of torque. On the outside, the new model generation is discernible from the striking, restyled radiator grille which, thanks to optimised air-flow guidance, ensures even more effective cooling. The new Zetros is characterised by extreme off-roading capabilities
which result from its permanent all-wheel drive system. It features numerous detail improvements, including such things as easier access to the cab or a re-designed instrument panel. Just as before, the new Zetros remains available in Euro III and Euro V variants for markets with poor fuel quality and thus finds its principle markets in regions like the Middle East, Africa or
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Latin America. The MercedesBenz Zetros is a heavy-duty truck which has been developed for demanding transport tasks involving high payloads. This is why it is often used for delivering supplies to remote regions, as well as in energy exploration and in forestry operations. The new Zetros can be used the world over in all manner of extreme climates – from hot desert regions right up to the Arctic.
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Wabco India ties up with Tamware to develop integrated door systems Wabco India Limited, a leading supplier of technologies that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles, has signed a development agreement with Oy Tamware Ab, for the design and development of bus doors for the domestic commercial vehicle market.
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles rolled out its first Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) heavyduty powertrain from its manufacturing facility at Oragadam. Having already received certification for BS VI back in July 2019, DICV’s latest milestone comes just two and half years after the introduction of BS IV.
Picture for representation purpose only
This agreement positions Wabco India to exclusively produce door systems, both pneumatic and electric, designed by Tamware for the Indian market, in combination with its own door control system. For Indian customers, this will open access to a fully integrated door solution incorporating safety features for bus variants in compliance with the latest legislative requirements. Wabco and Tamware bring complementary competencies to this strategic cooperation agreement. While Tamware has decades of expertise in providing services related to the design, development, manufacturing and supply of public transportation vehicle door systems, Wabco is a leader in commercial vehicle control systems including door control systems for buses and has over 300,000 systems deployed primarily in Europe, to date. “Wabco is in lockstep with the progress toward enhancing the safety and efficiency of vehicles in the Indian commercial vehicle industry. As a technology leader, our commitment to safety is paramount as we continue to invest in advanced solutions that the market demands,” said P. Kanniappan, Managing Director, Wabco India. “This furthers the advancement of the electrification roadmap in the region, given
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DICV starts series production of BS VI powertrain
the significant impetus for electric vehicles promoted by the Government of India under the ambit of FAME – II,” he added. Under the scope of this agreement, pneumatic or electric doors designed and developed by Tamware, will be manufactured in the Ambattur production facility of Wabco India. Inswing/outswing and sliding doors are especially well-suited to city buses, as the doors open quickly, thus enabling passengers to enter and exit the vehicle rapidly. Additionally, these doors will provide robust sealing, helping to reduce noise and vibration,while improving the efficiency of the air conditioning systems installed in the buses. “At Tamware, we are incredibly proud to partner with WABCO in India. This close collaboration between our companies will help us deliver superior, innovative solutions for bus applications, both electric and non-electric, in the region. These solutions also reinforce WABCO’s global strategy of mobilizing vehicle intelligence,” said JussiHilden , CEO, Tamware. The agreement will enable Tamware to expand its presence in the domestic commercial vehicle industry by utilising Wabco’s access, domain expertise and customer relationships developed in India.
On the occasion, Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, “Daimler Trucks already has eight years of experience delivering over 14 lakhs BS VI-equivalent vehicles to customers. It is therefore no surprise we are again leading the industry in the transition to cleaner-emission commercial vehicles.” DICV’s start of production comes not only before the government’s April 2020 BS VI transition deadline, but also ahead of their own internal schedule. In 2017, DICV joined a global partnership with Daimler entities in Brazil, Germany and the US with the goal of upgrading key components to BS VI standards by January 2020. Three months ahead of schedule, DICV is now beginning series production of its BS VI-compliant OM 926 engines and MD 2 Box After Treatment Systems right here in India. The engine will be offered with two power options (230HP and 280HP), allowing customers to benefit from the outstanding combination of robustness, parts localization and fuel efficiency provided by the six-cylinder classic series engines used in the BS VI range.
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TECHNOLOGY
People not ready for shared autonomous mobility, says UK study Autonomous vehicles may sound like an innovation that will solve our mobility woes, but the fact is that people don’t want it the way it has been perceived. People not only have a lack of trust in safety technology but say they have an emotional ‘attachment’ to car ownership. These two factors could act like impediments to a future of vehicle sharing and self-driving cars.
According to a new study in the UK, it could be at least 10 years before autonomous vehicles, and the sharing of them, will become part and parcel of society. This, combined with a perceived lack of prestige in not owning a vehicle, suggests that the majority of today’s motorists aren’t yet ready for mobility concepts of the future. The study Being Driven: A study on human adoption of autonomous vehicles, by Neckermann Strategic Advisors, in collaboration with specialist agency 7th Sense Research UK Ltd., finds that humans are today not ready to make a ‘double leap’ of faith when considering future personal transportation. With the automotive and tech industries looking toward the greater integration of autonomous technology into mainstream cars, the new survey illustrates the path required for buyers to embrace the concept of self-driving cars. One of the study takeaways highlights that an increased communication of the benefits of AVs is vital to combat the fear of the unknown and inspire the greater level of trust required for widespread end-user acceptance. The survey revealed that 75% are not comfortable with, or undecided, about future adoption of AVs, along with strong resistance
to a future of shared car ownership. Fergus McVey, 7th Sense Research UK Ltd. CEO, explains: “The prospect of shared ownership – giving up what’s often seen as a mechanical member of extended family – and a skewed perception of what AV technology offers, is too much for a large majority of the UK to consider in one step. The industry needs to communicate the message that AVs are being developed to make your life better, not more complicated, less flexible or to jeopardise any sense of freedom.” Lukas Neckermann, Managing Director of Neckermann Strategic Advisors and co-author of the study adds, “Consumers need to be inspired by the benefits of AVs instead of being flummoxed by the technology. The promise of enhanced journey safety, convenience and dependability is much more compelling than endless discussions on the trolley-problem and number of miles driven in autonomous mode.” The study also shows that 60% of respondents would favour a private use, private ownership model as being the most appealing way of accessing autonomous transport. This is at odds with the previous industry assumption that shared ownership would form the core of future mobility. Neckermann suggests, “It’s time to engage more with the consumer.” 7th Sense was commissioned to survey more than 3,000 UK residents, using a nuanced survey rigorously compiled to create data that could be analysed to reveal societal expectations for future mobility. The Neckermann study complemented the survey with extensive global research and interviews with governing bodies, vehicle manufacturers and autonomous vehicle technologists, among others.
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TECHNOLOGY
Nissan EV test car comes with twin-motor all-wheel control technology Auto major Nissan has revealed a high-power, twin-motor all-wheelcontrol test car equipped with new technologies being developed for the company’s next generation of EVs. The vehicle is based on the100% electric Nissan Leaf e+ and it features an enhanced all-wheel drive system powered by front and rear high-power motors integrated with chassis control technology that has again been developed by Nissan. This new technology featuring an electric-drive all-wheel-control system is bound to take the performance of Nissan’s electric cars to a new level. “Soon, Nissan will launch a nextgeneration EV that will be a true breakthrough,” said Takao Asami, senior vice president for research and advanced engineering at Nissan, adding that, “The new electric-drive four-wheel-control technology now being developed integrates Nissan’s electric propulsion and 4WD control technologies with our chassis control technology to achieve a huge leap in acceleration, cornering and braking performance, on par with the latest sports cars.”
SMOOTH HIGH-OUTPUT TWIN-MOTOR DRIVE
performance and confidence. The test car’s precision control ensures that the vehicle pitch and dive are minimised by adding regenerative rear motor braking to the usual front motor regenerative braking. When slowing down on city streets, for example, this helps keep passengers from being shaken back and forth. This reduces the potential for motion sickness and related discomfort. Similarly, on rough, bumpy roads and when accelerating, motor control is optimized to maintain ride comfort by minimizing irregular movement.
INDEPENDENT BRAKE CONTROL
Despite being a test car with technology hidden inside, the bespoke exterior effectively communicates the advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology within, and creates excitement for the new era of Nissan EV technology. Fitted with overfenders and rally style wheels, this test car confirms it’s ready to take on the most punishing of road conditions. Inside, the test car sports a 12.3 inch display mounted in the centre of the instrument panel that reports, in realtime, information on the vehicle control technology via a polished graphic interface. With the custom display, the driver can better understand vehicle movement, and judge the all-wheelcontrol technology’s performance at a glance.
In addition to optimizing front and rear torque allocation, the system applies independent brake control at each of the four wheels to maximise ELECTRIC ALL-WHEEL-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY TEST CAR SPECS the cornering Electric motor EM57 × 2 (Front and Rear) force generated by each tyre. This Max power/Max torque 227kW / 680Nm lets drivers enjoy Length 4,480 mm cornering that Width 1,830 mm faithfully follows Height 1,540 mm their intentions Wheel base 2,700 mm with minimal steering. Drive Electric All-Wheel-Control (All wheel drive) Tyre
Front : 215/55R17, Rear : 235/50R17
Using separate front and rear electric motors, the powertrain generates approximately 304hp (227 kilowatts) of maximum output and 680 Nm of maximum torque. This output is complemented by the ultra-highprecision motor control provided by Nissan’s advanced EV technology. This results in a highly responsive, yet uncommonly smooth, acceleration. Drivers can benefit from the allwheel-control system on nearly any road condition, heightening driving
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TECHNOLOGY
Hyundai plant in Ulsan to use BASF Elastoflex for production of car seats Hyundai Motor Company’s (HMC) plant in Ulsan will exclusively use BASF Elastoflex flexible polyurethane (PU) foam systems for the production of its car seats. The highly resilient PU foam is a low volatile organic compound (VOC) solution, primarily used in automotive applications such as seats and headrests. Compared to conventional foams, Elastoflex provides higher comfort, improved elasticity, and better load-bearing properties. “Lowering VOC emissions and enhancing driving comfort are major goals for an automotive OEM. We have focused on enhancing our product solution, Elastoflex, to meet the rapidly changing market trends and needs while maintaining excellent mechanical properties for outstanding performance and flexible design,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. To meet the toughest emission control regulations, BASF has optimised its production processes for polyol, which is used in the production of Elastoflex PU foams for high-comfort seat applications. The optimised production process translates to cost-effective and low VOC specialty polyols. In the tests conducted by SGS Korea, a global leading testing agency, the new solution demonstrated a reduction in acetaldehyde and formaldehyde emissions of more than 30%, helping to improve interior air quality and health of car drivers. Site trials also demonstrated an improvement in line productivity with a reduction in defect rate owing to excellent
flowability of the newly developed PU system. “To meet the growing demand for low VOC solutions across industries and applications, BASF has also expanded its capacity of polyol in Ulsan by 13,000 tons. The expansion enables a stable supply of products, for Hyundai Motor Company and our other valued customers in Korea and overseas,” added. Postlethwaite. “We are delighted to cooperate with our long-term partner, HMC, to explore innovative low VOC solutions for the automotive industry. This is another example of successful collaboration with HMC, based on our technical expertise and material innovations,” said Brian Seo, business management Transportation & Industrial Korea. Hyundai Motor Company Group, which accounts for more than 80% of the Korean automotive market, is also reviewing the material’s application in their headliners and steering wheels.
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NOVEMBER 2019 | MOTOWN INDIA | 67
TECHNOLOGY
Vitesco Technologies electric drive for Groupe PSA, Hyundai models Vitesco Technologies, the drivetrain business of Continental, has signed agreements with Groupe PSA and Hyundai to supply the first fully integrated electric axle drive
system for various volumeproduction models. The agreement with two leading OEMs highlights Vitesco Technologies’ position as a
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pioneer of intelligent customised solutions for all electrification aspects. Production of the new electric drive system at Vitesco Technologies plant in Tianjin, China, has already started.
“I am very excited to announce that two leading vehicle manufacturers have chosen Vitesco Technologies – to produce innovative electric drive unit to power their electric
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TECHNOLOGY
LONG-STANDING FOCUS ON POWERTRAIN ELECTRIFICATION
volumeproduction models,” said Andreas Wolf, CEO of Vitesco Technologies. “Our new integrated axle drive unit and our extensive experience in electrifying driveunits have made Vitesco Technologies the partner of choice for carmakers striving to be at the forefront of e-mobility,” he added. Groupe PSA has selected Vitesco Technologies’ new electric drive system for its e-CMP modular electric platform, which compact battery electric vehicle models such as the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa-e will be built on. The Hyundai Motor Corporation has made Vitesco Technologies the supplier of choice in China through its joint venture Beijing Hyundai. Two models will be equipped with Vitesco Technologies’ electric drive system: the Encino compact SUV and the Lafesta sedan. In addition, other vehicle manufacturers have chosen Vitesco Technologies to supply drive systems for battery electric cars that are planned to launch over the next 12 months. The innovative electric axle drive system will also power German start-up Sono Motors’ Sion battery electric vehicle. “Electric vehicles are starting to go mainstream – with our sophisticated technology on board”, Wolf said.
Vitesco Technologies’ electrification track record of more than a decade makes the company a key partner to all major car manufacturers. The company’s long-standing and enduring commitment to pioneering electric mobility solutions started back in 2006. By 2011, this electric drive system was on the market – in the Renault car models Zoe, Fluence and Kangoo. Now, Vitesco Technologies has used its experience and deep expertise in electric drive systems to bring its innovative third generation of its electric axle drive system to market.
TWO POWER RATINGS AND BEST-IN-CLASS POWER DENSITY, SIZE AND WEIGHT Based on their expertise in systems and electronics, Vitesco Technologies’ engineers have improved the interaction between the system’s individual components: electric motor, power electronics and transmission. These improvements result in a drive system that is lighter, more compact and cost-effective. The new module – whose electric motor and power electronics are liquid-cooled – weighs less than 80 kilograms. It also features a new transmissionintegrated electric parking lock function. Through the intelligent combination and integration of the system’s individual components, it was also possible to remove numerous connectors and cables, cutting costs even further. “We offer our highly integrated electric axle drive system in power
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ratings from100 up to 150 kW,” said Thomas Stierle, Head of the Hybrid Electric Vehicle business unit at Vitesco Technologies. “With a maximum output of 150 kW and maximum torque of 310 Nm, the more powerful version is comparable with a conventional 2-liter turbodiesel engine, offering best-in-class power density, size and weight,” he added.
FOCUS ON ELECTRIFIED AND ALL-ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES Vitesco Technologies chose to build this new electric axle drive system in China, currently the world’s largest and fastest-growing market for electric vehicles, and near its customers. This will enable Vitesco Technologies not only to serve its customers better, but also to showcase the Tianjin plant’s experience in the field of electric drive technologies. Highly automated production lines at the plant allow for large production volumes to be built to the highest quality standards. Today, Vitesco Technologies is one of the few automotive systems suppliers to offer complete electrification systems from a single source. The company’s portfolio ranges from 48-volt electrification technologies and key components for hybrid drives to full battery-electric drive systems. “We will be focusing our investment strategy even more heavily on electrified and all-electric technologies and channeling more internal resources into these areas. In doing so, we are significantly strengthening our existing high level of electronics expertise,” Wolf explained.
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TECHNOLOGY
Continental , 3M partner to develop intelligent infrastructure technology for safer roadways Technology company Continental announced that it has entered into a collaborative evaluation partnership with 3M to assess the infrastructureto-vehicle (I2V) interface between infrastructure-related objects and technologies (including pavement markings, conspicuity film, signs and other landmarks on or near the roadway environment), and vehicle-related technologies. Today’s current infrastructure is lacking some aspects of consistency, uniformity, performance specifications, and maintenance standards that are important for the industry to optimize the perception and localization capabilities of automated vehicles. While it is clear that infrastructure optimized solutions are not possible in the short term, our long-term goal is to find a more balanced solution. Continental has a long history in automotive safety systems. This extensive know-how, combined with 3M’s innovative expertise and leadership in roadway technologies, enables the two companies to collaborate on improving the current transportation infrastructure and work toward the goal of a more balanced and intelligent infrastructure optimized future solution. The short-term goal is to help increase road safety while continuing to work toward automated driving solutions. “A major focus at Continental is to ensure our vehicle technology is able to accurately, efficiently and effectively communicate with cities
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and road infrastructure,” said Ralph Lauxmann, Head of Systems & Technology at Continental’s Chassis & Safety Division. “We are excited to partner with 3M to collaborate on improving overall road infrastructure technology to help increase safety and awareness of the environments and obstacles we drive through daily.” Continental and 3M will collaboratively evaluate the infrastructure and vehicle interface in the following ways: localization and correction services using clear environmental landmarks for locating a vehicle on a high-definition map; identification and classification of objects in urban roadway environments including urban cross-walks, signalized intersections and other stationary and moving objects to improve safety; improved awareness of objects in and around work zones and the status of the
Continental PP Intelligent Intersection
work zones; and enhanced object detection using sensor fusion detectable infrastructure-related objects. “Infrastructure plays a critical role in the safety of all road users including vehicles with or without automated technologies, and vulnerable road users. At 3M, we are dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure and mobility so all road users can arrive at their destinations safely.” commented Dr. Daniel Chen, Vice President and General Manager,3M Transportation Safety Division. “Our mission of road safety is proving to be more important as modes of mobility are changing and advancing. We are excited to collaborate with Continental on exploring infrastructure solutions that will help governments achieve their vision zero goals.”
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