Hero Motocorp Adds Tech-delight to the Passion, Launches Passion ‘XTEC’ With Host of Advanced ‘Connected’ Features

In keeping with its aggressive product revitalization strategy, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, today introduced the new Passion ‘XTec’.

Available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at an attractive price of Rs. 74590/-* (drum variant) and Rs. 78990/-* (disc variant), the Passion XTec comes with a 5-year warranty, reiterating the brand’s trust and reliability.

*(Ex-Showroom Delhi)

The new Hero Passion ‘XTec’ is a perfect combination of style, safety, connectivity and comfort. The motorcycle is packed with features such as the First-in-Segment Projector LED Headlamp, Full-Digital Instrument Cluster with Bluetooth Connectivity, SMS and Call Alerts, Real-Time Mileage Indicator, Low-Fuel Indicator, Side-Stand Engine Cut-Off and Service Reminder. The host of new segment-first features and the trust & reliability of the Passion brand, make the Passion XTec stand out over others in the segment.

Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Passion XTec with its new features and a smart design is a compelling product that will excite the country’s youth. Our range of ‘XTec’ products such as the Splendor+ XTec, Glamour 125 XTec, Pleasure+ 110 XTec and Destini 125 XTec have received an overwhelming response from customers and we expect the Passion XTec to continue this trend.”

Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Hero Passion is an iconic brand and enjoys massive customer trust for over a decade. With its new style and new attitude, the Passion XTec will appeal to the new age riders and with the latest technology features, it will set the benchmark for the segment. We are certain that the Passion XTec will enable us to further consolidate our leadership in the country’s motorcycle segment.”

The Hero Passion ‘XTec’

Designed for today’s generation, the performance-oriented and muscular new 110cc Passion XTec is loaded with an array of convenience, safety and utility features, which integrate seamlessly to offer a hassle-free and enjoyable riding experience.

Connectivity

With Passion XTec the rider can access vehicle and connectivity functions fast and conveniently. The first-in-segment full digital speedometer console with blue backlight offers Bluetooth connectivity, phone call alerts with caller name, missed call and SMS notifications along with the integrated USB charging port. It also displays phone battery percentage, real-time mileage indicator and service schedule reminder, and low fuel indicator.

Safety

Ensuring utmost safety for both rider and pillion, Passion Pro XTec has a side-stand visual indication and a ‘Side-stand Engine cut-off’. Additionally, the motorcycle also comes with an option of disc brake and a Combi Braking System (CBS) for better handling.

Design

The new Passion XTec features first-in-segment projector LED headlamps with best in segment brightness with 12% longer beam than the conventional halogen lamp. The new headlamp design also enhances the sportiness and aerodynamics of the motorcycle. The motorcycle has chromed 3D branding and rim tape that increases its premium appeal.

Engine

The new Passion Pro XTec comes with a 110cc BS-VI compliant engine producing a remarkable power output of 9 BHP @ 7500 rpm and torque on demand of 9.79 NM @ 5000 rpm for a high-performance ride. Delivering the brand promise of performance and comfort, the new Passion Pro XTec comes with the patented i3S technology for better fuel efficiency.

Hero MotoCorp Appoints Digitization and Technology Expert to Accelerate Digital Transformation

Appoints Reema Jain as New Chief Information & Digital Officer

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has further strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of digitization and technology expert, Reema Jain.

Ms. Jain, with nearly two decades of world-class technology and leadership experience, has joined Hero MotoCorp on 1 March 2022 as the new Chief Information & Digital Officer to lead the technology driven business transformation. She will further strengthen the company's initiatives such as IT-related infrastructure, strategic planning, aligning digital strategies including the usage of new-age technologies.

Ms. Jain will directly report to Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp.

Mike Clarke, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer – Hero MotoCorp, said, “In the relentless pursuit of our vision - 'Be the Future of Mobility', we have been embracing new technologies to bring greater agility into our working practices. As we are in the midst of a transformation, this newly created position marks an important milestone in our digital journey. Reema’s addition to the team will help us lead the digital acceleration and leverage technology to augment our innovation ecosystem together with our customers and partners."

Reema Jain is a well-known name in the technology industry and was recently named among top 100 global CDOs across industries. Jain most recently served as Chief Digital Officer at Vodafone India.

Prior to that, Ms. Jain was associated with global corporations such as Unilever and GE in leadership roles, where she was responsible for building agile, robust, scalable and resilient technology platforms, processes, and IT Solutions.

Hero MotoCorp recently elevated Ranjivjit Singh – who has been heading Marketing - to the newly constituted role of Chief Growth Officer, with an objective to leverage the emerging opportunities in the post-pandemic world, by bringing more synergies between the key customer-facing functions of Marketing and Sales & After-Sales.

Hero Motocorp to Introduce Its 1st Electric Two-Wheeler This Month

Pawan Munjal Managing Director & CEO - Hero MotoCorp Ltd. [File Photo]

In view of the increasing demand of electric vehicles, many Indian automobile companies are foraying into electric vehicles segment and as the electric two-wheeler segment is also growing rapidly in the country. Hero Motocorp, India's largest two wheeler manufacturer, is also now ready to launch its first electric two-wheeler in the market. 

Hero Motocorp has been working on launching its electric vehicle for a long time. Last year in May, we reported that the company is planning to launch an electric two-wheeler by first half of 2022. Now in latest, the company's CFO Niranjan Gupta has confirmed that the company's first electric two-wheeler will be released in March 2022. Along with this, the company is also planning to launch a wide range of premium products in the coming time.

The company will roll out its electric vehicle from the Chittoor manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. The electric 2 wheeler will compete with the existing e-players such as TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ola S1 in the Indian market. The electric two-wheelers will initially be sold first in India before sales expand overseas.

Besides, the company is also planning to launch a wide range of premium products in the coming time.

Speaking about the company's strategy, Niranjan Gupta said that Hero MotoCorp will continue its investments in Ather Energy (India) and Gogoro (Taiwan), two EV startups in which the company has already invested heavily.

While Ather Energy is an electric scooter maker, Gogoro is a Taiwanese startup --- backed by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore --- that develops a battery-swapping refueling platform for urban electric two-wheel scooters, mopeds and motorcycles. Hero MotoCorp and Gogoro will rollout battery swapping network in India.

Last May, Hero MotoCorp partnered with deeptech startup ADLOID to launch Augmented Reality based showroom offering immersive shopping experience. Hero MotoCorp will utilise ADLOID platform to provide a 360-degree shopping experience to its customers with the help of Augmented Reality.

Hero MotoCorp Commences Retail Operations In Mexico

In keeping with its aggressive expansion plans in its global business, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has started retail sales in the key market of Mexico.

The Company has introduced an extensive portfolio of products, including motorcycles and a scooter, thereby catering to the diverse segments of customers. These include popular motorcycles such as the Xpulse 200, Xpulse 200T, Hunk 190, Hunk 160R, Hunk 150, Eco 150 TR, Eco 150 Cargo, and Ignitor 125, and the Dash 125 scooter.

Sanjay Bhan, Head of Global Business, Hero MotoCorp, said, “This is an important development in our international business growth story. Mexico will be a key market for us in the future and this is the first step in this direction. The range of products that we have introduced here should excite and cater to a wide segment of customers.”

The product portfolio will be available across the country through the retail arm of the distributor, agencies and dealers, and will have attractive financing options. There will also be a wide network of service centers spread throughout the country. The products will be available with a warranty of three years or 30,000 kilometers.

Hero MotoCorp has a renewed Global Business strategy of R4 - Revitalize, Recalibrate, Revive and Revolutionize. With this strategy the Company has significantly enhanced its global operations both in terms of volumes and presence.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hero MotoCorp registered its highest-ever monthly dispatch to global markets in March 2021. Carrying forward the positive momentum, it has witnessed growth in the current financial year (FY’22) too.

Hero MotoCorp Partners DeepTech Startup ADLOID to Launch AR Showroom Offering Immersive Shopping Experience

Deep tech Start up enables an immersive online shopping experience for the customers of the largest two wheeler OEM globally

12th May 2021: Adloid, a deep tech company with focus in Augmented Reality has partnered with Hero MotoCorp for the launch of the first-of-its-kind immersive Augmented Reality showroom. Using its proprietary technology ADLOID has added enhanced features like hotspots, configurators, remote sales assistance, and more. This technology is revolutionizing digital buying experiences and was recently used by Tata Motors for the launch of their flagship products.

TATA Safari AR Link: https://cars.tatamotors.com/suv/safari/ar

Hero MotoCorp will now be providing a 360-degree shopping experience to its customers with the help of Augmented Reality.

Vikas Malhotra, Head - Business Solutions & Support at Hero MotoCorp said -- 

At Hero Motocorp, we were looking for an agile partner to co-create "digital buying journey" of our products, a Highly skilled and passionate team from Adloid did the job exceptionally well by providing a truly World-class solution for "Virtual Showroom, Product Configurator and AR experience for our product portfolio". Speed, agility, and dedication of the team working on the project helped us in releasing the same in a very short span of time without a single physical meeting reflecting professionalism. We look forward to more such associations with the team and wish them luck.

Speaking about the partnership, Kanav Singla, Founder & CEO of Adloid said, 

Augmented Reality is helping us move beyond inherent human limitations and present contextually relevant information to people . Our partnership with Hero Moto Corp is one such example where we are changing the way people shop and experience products online. The inherent limitation of a physical showroom is a thing of the past.

The augmented reality showroom takes digitization a step ahead by allowing customers to explore, configure and experience the Hero MotoCorp products in their homes. The experience comes with interactive hotspots and virtual sales assistance to address queries and concerns as they browse through various models.

Hero Motocorp To Launch Its 1st Electric Two-Wheeler in First Half of Next Year

After Bajaj and TVS, India’s largest two wheeler maker Hero Motocorp was planning to launch an electric two-wheeler by first half of 2022, a senior executive of the company today said.

Hero's entry into the electric vehicle market will give a push to India’s electrification plan. “Though there is no firm timeline, we will be looking to enter the EV market by calendar year 2022,” Niranajan Gupta, Chief Financial Officer at Hero said.

It must be noted that Hero Group already has an electric mobility division -- Hero Electric -- which is likely to remain a separate entity. In August 2019, Hero Electric launched two e-scooters -- Optima ER and Nyx ER

Simultaneously, the company’s strength in the entry level segment is going to be an added advantage as this segment is expected to be the first to switch over to electric in the coming years, according to experts.

The company last month had tied up with Taiwanese electric two-wheeler maker Gogoro to accelerate the shift to sustainable electric mobility in India which will see the Indian bike maker develop Gogoro's battery swapping stations. Additionally, the collaboration also includes Hero-branded EVs that will be powered by Gogoro Network vehicles.

Battery swapping is seen as an effective way to get around the problem of lack of charging stations in India and is believed to be highly effective for B2B fleet and delivery services.

“Gogoro has a rich learning in the battery swapping segment. We are going to utilise that. You can see a lot of action on the electric vehicle front in the first half of 2022

The company has also invested in EV start-up Ather where it is the largest shareholder with a 35 per cent stake.

Hero's direct rivals Bajaj and TVS have already forayed into the EV space with the Chetak and iQube, respectively.

Hero has a three prong approach to approach the EV market- its investment in Ather, our own research development at Jaipur and Germany, and the internal start-up.

“The future is electrification. We are seeing that happening across the world. All of them are progressing at a fast pace. Ather has been expanding very fast, opening up more and more dealerships. It recently introduced products that have been well accepted by the market. The founders are following their vision in a focused approach,” Pawan Munjal, chairman and chief executive of the company had said recently.

Original Source (with minor editing) - Business Standard

Ather Energy Raises Rs 180 Cr Investment from Hero MotoCorp

Ather Energy, the smart electric two-wheeler start-up, today announced a fresh round of funding of INR 180 crores from Hero MotoCorp for 26-30% stake. The funding marks the third round of investments in Ather Energy, which is building the S340 - India’s first smart, electric scooter. Previous rounds of investments in the company were by Tiger Global; and Sachin and Binny Bansal, promoters of Flipkart, in their personal capacity.

Speaking on the investment, Tarun Mehta, CEO and co-founder of Ather Energy said, “The funding is a strong validation of our product roadmap and technology capability, endorsed by one of the biggest global automotive players. We believe smart connected electric vehicles are the future and India will be an important global player in it. Our vision is to fast forward to that future and this investment will help us leapfrog several years of automotive experience."

This new round of capital infusion will be used by Ather to sustain momentum in its journey of building a future-ready product platform, and to accelerate the infrastructure and ecosystem development around electric vehicles in the country.

The Board of Directors of Hero MotoCorp, in its meeting held on October 26, 2016, approved an investment of up to Rs. 205 crore, of which the immediate tranch is of Rs. 180 crore.

Commenting on this investment, Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp said “As the market leader and a global automotive major, Hero takes the lead in many areas that benefit the environment, customer and industry. Adoption of environment-friendly fuel is a priority for Hero, as is propagating sustainable manufacturing through green facilities. One of our strategic priorities, therefore, is to engage with the external ecosystem, including start-ups in adjacent areas. Hero MotoCorp intends to enhance its participation in the EV space by pursuing its internal EV program in addition to partnering with Ather. Ather is the best start-up in the two-wheeler EV space and we firmly believe that they are on the way to become one of the leaders in India, potentially even globally. They bring together a vision with high aspiration, ability to progress rapidly and the humility to learn and improve continually. We are excited to be a strategic investor and see this as an important step in building the necessary ecosystem needed to support commercialisation of EVs in the country.”

Earlier this year, Ather unveiled the S340, an uncompromising electric vehicle with a Lithium ion battery pack, top speed of 72 kmph and a range of 60 km. But what sets Ather apart is the fundamental promise of a richer ownership experience. On the product, this manifests through vehicle intelligence which enables on board navigation, pre-emptive diagnostics, remote configuration and personalised ride profiles through a touchscreen dashboard and mobile app.

The experience extends to the go-to-market strategy with a combination of online sales complemented by experience centres that will bring the brand to life. The ownership experience also ensures convenience through door step delivery and servicing and a mobile app for remote access and configuration. Ather also aims at setting up a ubiquitous charging infrastructure in every city it will operate in, partnering with government and private enterprises.