News for 'wheelers'

Electric two-wheeler sales zoom past 550K this year

Electric two-wheeler sales zoom past 550K this year

Rediff.com6 Jan 2023

Electric two-wheelers have zipped past the half-a-million registration mark and achieved a market penetration of 4 per cent at the fag end of Calendar 2022, according to data released by VAHAN. According to VAHAN data for the year (until December 27), 560,000 two-wheelers were registered in the country, up a staggering fourfold over 2021, when only 136,000 were registered, and when electric vehicle penetration was a mere 1.05 per cent. The total number of two-wheelers (internal combustion engine, or ICE, and electric) registered so far in 2022 stands at 14.5 million, up only 12.7 per cent over the previous calendar year.

What EVs need for catching up with ICE-run cars

What EVs need for catching up with ICE-run cars

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

'Currently, EVs are about 30-50 per cent more expensive than ICE vehicles. I believe the inflection point for EVs will come when this price gap narrows to 20-25 per cent. That's when people will start coming in.'

E2W firms get serious about customer care support

E2W firms get serious about customer care support

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Players like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Kinetic Green and BGauss are introducing premium services and infrastructure enhancements.

Review: Dupahiya Is Lotsa Fun

Review: Dupahiya Is Lotsa Fun

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Such a collection of amiable characters were last seen in Panchayat. There are greedy dowry seekers, criminals, misogynists and the like, but the collective goodness of the others keep violence and male chauvinism in check, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Sangam water fit for drinking: Yogi refutes CPCB report

Sangam water fit for drinking: Yogi refutes CPCB report

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday dismissed concerns regarding faecal contamination in the waters at Triveni Sangam, stating that continuous monitoring and purification processes ensure its quality.

Electric vehicle sales down 12% in November after festival-driven rush

Electric vehicle sales down 12% in November after festival-driven rush

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

In the e2W category, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of total EV sales, volumes fell 15 per cent to 118,944 units in November, compared to 139,787 units in the previous month

'Consumers should not pay higher taxes for clean technologies'

'Consumers should not pay higher taxes for clean technologies'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

'We are not asking for incentives, but at least taxation can be aligned such that the rupee tax on consumers remains the same.'

30% of two-wheelers will be electric by 2030: Study

30% of two-wheelers will be electric by 2030: Study

Rediff.com4 Oct 2022

India will have 30 per cent of its two-wheeler industry turning electric by 2030 as new manufacturers lead the shift, said a report on Monday. Passenger vehicles will be 15 per cent electric and the three-wheeler segment 75 per cent electric by 2030, said the report by BNP Paribas called 'India Autos-Electric vehicles: Minutes to midnight'. "We see FY22 as the year of inflection for the two-wheeler EV industry, with an accelerated EV adoption helped by incentives, wider availability, model launches, rise in crude prices and improved general awareness. We see 30 per cent of the 2W industry turning electric by 2030; the pace of incentive withdrawal presents an upside/downside risk," the report (India Autos - Electric vehicles: Minutes to midnight) said.

'Holy Dip Left Us Praying For Many More Such Moments'

'Holy Dip Left Us Praying For Many More Such Moments'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

'We were struck by the sheer energy even before we stepped into the holy water,' says T N Sekhar.

Maruti's Feb PV sales rise marginally; Hyundai, Tata's decline

Maruti's Feb PV sales rise marginally; Hyundai, Tata's decline

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Leading passenger vehicle maker Maruti Suzuki on Saturday reported marginal growth while Hyundai and Tata Motors posted a decline in their sales in February as a slowdown in the market continued with demand remaining muted. On the other hand, Mahindra & Mahindra and Toyota Kirloskar Motor posted double-digit growth riding on their SUV and MPV models.

Kerala's half-price fraud may amount to Rs 600-700 cr

Kerala's half-price fraud may amount to Rs 600-700 cr

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Anandu Krishnan, a 26-year-old man, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding people of several crores by promising scooters, sewing machines, home appliances, and laptops at half price using fake CSR funds from major companies. The total fraud is estimated to be around Rs 600-700 crore. Krishnan was operating the scam since 2022 by registering societies and convincing people that he was the National Coordinator of the National NGO Federation and that he had been entrusted with managing the CSR funds of various companies. He collected money through 62 "seed societies" and used his political links to convince the victims. The police are investigating the role of certain political leaders in the fraud.

Honda Motorcycle set to join two-wheeler EV race by March next year

Honda Motorcycle set to join two-wheeler EV race by March next year

Rediff.com24 Jan 2023

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), the country's second-largest two-wheeler manufacturer, is planning to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) here by March next year, said CEO & MD Atsushi Ogata on Monday. The company would also enter the low-end motorcycle market in March by launching a 100cc engine bike at a price that will "positively shock" customers, he said while speaking with reporters, after launching the Activa with Honda Smart Key. HMSI's first EV, an electric scooter, will have a fixed battery and the second model will have two swappable batteries, Ogata explained.

'An All-Out Budget For Middle Class'

'An All-Out Budget For Middle Class'

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

'There's a misconception that all Rs 1 lakh crore will be spent immediately, leading to higher consumption of FMCG goods, travel, and vehicle purchases.' 'While some of this money will go toward consumption, not all of it will.' 'The impact depends on where people deploy their savings.'

TaMo looks to ace last-mile delivery with sub-600 kg SCV

TaMo looks to ace last-mile delivery with sub-600 kg SCV

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, is looking to launch a first-of-its-kind sub-600 kg small commercial vehicle, aiming to cater to the growing demand for efficient last-mile delivery solutions, an area currently witnessing a surge in interest from e-commerce giants. This new entrant is set to be positioned just below the marquee Tata Ace, which is popular across the country as "Chota Haathi".

As govt subsidy stops, 7 electric two-wheeler firms suffered over Rs 9,000 cr loss

As govt subsidy stops, 7 electric two-wheeler firms suffered over Rs 9,000 cr loss

Rediff.com9 Aug 2023

Seven electric two-wheeler companies have suffered a cumulative loss of over Rs 9,000 crore on account of unpaid dues and loss of market after their subsidies were stopped last year, the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) said on Wednesday. These companies have also been directed by the govt to refund the subsidies availed by them. The audit by SMEV's chartered accountants indicates the total, cumulative damages to affected companies could account for over Rs 9,000 crore on a conservative basis, it noted.

Auto exports from India rise 14% in Apr-Sep period

Auto exports from India rise 14% in Apr-Sep period

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

Automobile exports from India in the first six months of the current fiscal year rose 14 per cent year-on-year, led by gains in shipments of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers. According to Siam data, the overall exports in the April-September period stood at 25,28,248 units, up 14 per cent as compared with 22,11,457 units in the year-ago period. "Key markets like Latin America and Africa, which had slowed down for various reasons, have bounced back.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter launches Activa in electric avatar

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter launches Activa in electric avatar

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) on Wednesday forayed into the fast-growing domestic electric mobility market with the introduction of e-scooters, ACTIVA e: and QC1, with swappable and fixed batteries. With this, the Japanese two-wheeler maker will now be competing with other legacy players such as Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, TVS Group as well as pure EV players like Ather and Ola, who already have a good presence in the segment, which is growing at 34 per cent year-on-year.

'Aamir Rushed Me To Hospital'

'Aamir Rushed Me To Hospital'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

'I couldn't see the injury but I knew it was bad from the expression on Aamir's face.'

From Tata Motors-JLR to Ford: Tamil Nadu's EV ecosystem expands in 2024

From Tata Motors-JLR to Ford: Tamil Nadu's EV ecosystem expands in 2024

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Tamil Nadu -- often dubbed as India's own Detroit due to its thriving automobile manufacturing ecosystem -- is in no mood to miss the EV bus either. Recent developments attest to it. Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast has promised a $2 billion plant in the southern state. And as promised earlier, the work on Tata Motors-JLR plant will kick off next week, on September 28, after the foundation stone laying ceremony.

'Punjab govt' car with liquor, cash, AAP pamphlets seized in Delhi

'Punjab govt' car with liquor, cash, AAP pamphlets seized in Delhi

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The Punjab government dismissed claims that it owned the car intercepted in Delhi. The vehicle's number plate was forged and fake as it can be tracked to a different car not owned by the Punjab government, it said. The AAP, too, released a statement, saying the car seizure was a "planted stunt, ?poorly executed and utterly bogus".

Bajaj looks to pip TVS to second spot in e2W mkt

Bajaj looks to pip TVS to second spot in e2W mkt

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

The country's legacy two-wheeler giants - Bajaj Auto and TVS - are fighting a neck-and-neck battle for market share, with the former threatening to dislodging its rival soon. The Pune-based giant, which was trailing far behind TVS just two months ago in e-two-wheelers (e2Ws), has upped the ante. It has increased its market share based on Vahan registrations from 11.6 per cent in June (when it sold only 9,046 electric two wheelers) to 19.3 per cent (when it sold 14,977 this month till August 30).

Budget sets a comprehensive blueprint for India's economic growth

Budget sets a comprehensive blueprint for India's economic growth

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman has presented a forward-looking Budget, reinforcing the government's commitment to 'Reform, Perform, and Transform'.

Man hurt in blast near Delhi multiplex, 2nd incident in same area since Oct

Man hurt in blast near Delhi multiplex, 2nd incident in same area since Oct

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A low-intensity blast occurred near a multiplex in Delhi's Rohini on Thursday, injuring one person and sparking panic. The explosion took place near a park in the same area where a previous blast occurred in October. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP-led central government of failing to maintain law and order in the national capital.

Electric 2-wheeler players take on heavy industries dept on FAME 2

Electric 2-wheeler players take on heavy industries dept on FAME 2

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

Companies making electric two-wheelers, through their association Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), have taken on the Department of Heavy Industries (DHI), saying they did not get subsidies for even half the mandated 1 million units they manufactured. Subsidies are given under Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles 2 (FAME II). In a petition to the parliamentary standing committee on industry energy and estimates, the SMEV said the department had done an "accounting error" by showing that it (the department) was close to achieving the mandated target by including sales of the EVs that were "not funded" under the scheme.

Bajaj CNG Bikes Break Sales Records

Bajaj CNG Bikes Break Sales Records

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

The Freedom 125 has sold 8,310 units in October to date. This is its highest since it was launched in July and may touch close to 9,000 by the end of the month.

Probe ordered over deficiencies in services & e-2W of Ola Electric

Probe ordered over deficiencies in services & e-2W of Ola Electric

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Consumer rights regulator CCPA has ordered a detailed probe into complaints related to alleged "deficiencies" in services and electric two-wheelers manufactured by Ola Electric. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) headed by Nidhi Khare has directed the Director General (Investigation), who is also head of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), to investigate this matter.

'MRF is now world's 11th largest tyre company'

'MRF is now world's 11th largest tyre company'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The favourable rupee-dollar exchange rate, there are opportunities we can tap.'

Electric three-wheeler market: Can Bajaj Auto storm in and become king?

Electric three-wheeler market: Can Bajaj Auto storm in and become king?

Rediff.com20 Apr 2022

In a fragmented electric three-wheeler market where no company has more than a 10 per cent share, leave alone a dominant presence, can Bajaj Auto storm in and become king? The company is set to launch its range of electric auto rickshaws in June and hopes to replicate its success in ICE three-wheelers where it is the undisputed market leader with a 63 per cent market share. Can it be crowned king of the electric three-wheeler market too? Overall, electric sale volumes are growing at breakneck speed.

The Lady With 11 Driving Licenses!

The Lady With 11 Driving Licenses!

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

'I want to tell everybody there is nothing in the world that you can't do.' 'If you apply your mind, you can do anything and everything.'

India's GDP expected to grow at 6.5% in Q2 FY25

India's GDP expected to grow at 6.5% in Q2 FY25

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Economists at the country's largest lender SBI on Wednesday said they see Q2 real GDP growth slowing down further to 6.5 per cent in the September quarter of this fiscal year. Amid concerns over the country's economic growth rate and if it is slowing down, the analysts said they expect FY25 growth to come "closer to" 7 per cent. It can be noted that the April-June period saw the real GDP expanding by 6.7 per cent, the lowest in 15 quarters.

PV inventory at record high; auto retail sales dip 9%

PV inventory at record high; auto retail sales dip 9%

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Automobile retail sales in India declined 9 per cent year-on-year in September amid a massive buildup of passenger vehicle inventory due to sluggish demand, dealer's body FADA said on Monday, urging original equipment manufacturers to take corrective steps. The overall registrations declined to 17,23,330 units last month from 18,99,192 units in September 2023, as most of the categories including passenger vehicles and two-wheelers witnessed a year-on-year (Y-O-Y) drop.

BEST Bus Crash: 'I Saw Dead Bodies'

BEST Bus Crash: 'I Saw Dead Bodies'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

The driver was speeding and the bus swerved for about 200 metres before it dashed into multiple vehicles on the road.

India, Canada expel diplomats amid deepening rift

India, Canada expel diplomats amid deepening rift

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

India on Monday expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced withdrawing its high commissioner and other 'targeted' officials from Canada after strongly dismissing Ottawa's allegations linking the envoy to a probe into the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a major downturn in already frosty ties between the two nations.

A peek into Auto Expo 2025

A peek into Auto Expo 2025

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

More than 40 new product launches are expected at the upcoming Auto Expo which will be held under the umbrella of Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 from January 17-22, a government official said on Tuesday. With visas continuing to be an issue, large scale participation of Chinese companies are unlikely although some of them are participating at the expo, Joint Secretary at Ministry of Commerce and Industry Vimal Anand said at the sidelines of curtain raiser of 'Bharat Battery Show' which will also be a part of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

eVitara done, Maruti eyes small electric car next

eVitara done, Maruti eyes small electric car next

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

However, the company has not provided a timeline for the launch of the small electric car.

Passenger vehicle sales dip 2% in August as OEMs cut dispatches

Passenger vehicle sales dip 2% in August as OEMs cut dispatches

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Domestic passenger vehicle wholesales declined by about 2 per cent year-on-year in August as companies curtailed dispatches to reduce inventory at dealers amid a drop in demand. According to data issued by the industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the total passenger vehicle dispatches in the domestic market stood at 352,921 units last month compared to 359,228 vehicles in August 2023, a dip of 1.8 per cent.

India slams Canadian news report claiming Modi knew of Nijjar plot

India slams Canadian news report claiming Modi knew of Nijjar plot

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

India on Wednesday strongly trashed as 'smear campaign' a Canadian media report that claimed that the Indian prime minister was aware of the alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

What makes Hero Splendor India's top motorcycle for 6 years

What makes Hero Splendor India's top motorcycle for 6 years

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

However, while Splendor's annual sales surged 31.7 per cent to 3.638 million units between 2019 and 2024, Hero's other models suffered sharp drops.

LML owner sues Bajaj Auto over 'Freedom' trademark

LML owner sues Bajaj Auto over 'Freedom' trademark

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

SG Corporate Mobility - the parent company of the Indian two-wheeler brand LML - has taken auto major Bajaj Auto to high court, claiming that it was illegally using its 'Freedom' trademark in newly-launched Bajaj Freedom CNG motorbikes, the company said in a statement on Thursday. SG Corporate Mobility claims that the term 'Freedom' has a deep-rooted association dating back to 2002 when the company had introduced its 'LML Freedom' motorcycle. The trademark 'Freedom,' along with the 'LML' brand, was officially assigned to SG Corporate Mobility in 2021 after being transferred by LML.

Domestic PV wholesales dips 2.5% at 341,510 units in July: Siam

Domestic PV wholesales dips 2.5% at 341,510 units in July: Siam

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

Passenger vehicle wholesales in India declined 2.5 per cent year-on-year to 341,510 units in July, impacted by high base effect as well as companies reducing vehicle dispatches to dealers amid moderation in demand. The overall passenger vehicle (PV) dispatches from companies to dealers stood at 350,355 units in July 2023, automobile industry body Siam said on Wednesday.