News highlights of the day include Toyota, Royal Enfield, Honda and Auto Industry.
Toyota Harrier – It’s not only Tata that makes the Harrier. Toyota has a Harrier on offer in Japan since years. The Japanese automaker has revealed the new generation Harrier based on the TNGA platform. It comes with sharp styling, resembles F-Pace from some angles and is powered by a 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines.
Royal Enfield – Royal Enfield has further extended the free service period and warranty for expiry dates between March 22 and April 14. The services has been extended by 2 months.
Honda – The 2-wheeler maker has removed the Grazia and Aviator from its website. While the Honda Aviator is likely to be discontinued for good, the Grazia will make a comeback soon with an updated BS6 engine on offer.
Auto Industry – The automobile industry is facing a lot of trouble as there is no production and sales happening amid the nationwide lockdown. Ministry of Commerce has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs to resume production and commence operations with 25 percent capacity in single shift.
Motor Trivia – Did you know, BMW Motorrad launched their first bike in India with Hero Motors in 1990s. It was the BMW Funduro 650.
Comment of the day – Sarath – “Honda made cars that were more driver centric and still they are. Honda shined the market when the reviewers focussed more on driving dynamics rather than features. Later the car industry started to change everything started to change in cars, cars started to became more of a gadget. Nobody even cared how it drives even reviewers started praising tech inside the car than the car. People started buying cars based on the size of the touch screen.Auto manufacturers started bagging booking before even the launch of the car. Just like flash sale in mobiles. Things started to change.Honda too need to change. Just like how Chinese invaded mobile market in India. Soon auto industry also will be dominated by few. Honda really have to up the game. They can’t really charge premium in India. They have to be par with the segment in pricing. If they don’t change here, they too will be forced to exit Indian soil!”
