Latest news with #HondaActiva
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Trio tries to rob cash collection agent of ₹5 lakh in Chandigarh, held
Prompt action by Chandigarh Police led to the arrest of three men who tried to rob a cash collection agent in broad daylight in Sector 27 on Wednesday morning. The victim, Pardeep, works for AU Small Finance Bank. Probe revealed that the robbery was pre-planned by Shubham Bharti, 29, a former employee of the bank, along with Angrej Singh, 25, of Hammad Lodra, Ferozepur, Punjab; and Amit Kumar, 25, of Baijnath, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The trio had conducted a recce of the victim's routine before attacking him around 11.30 am on Wednesday, when he was returning to the bank after collecting ₹5 lakh from Grain Market in Sector 26. As per FIR, two of the accused, riding a Honda Activa scooter, intercepted Pardeep near Sector 27. They attempted to snatch his cash bag and when he resisted, one of the accused attacked him with a knife, injuring his right hand. Pardeep fell from his Activa and raised the alarm. As a crowd began to gather, one attacker fled on the scooter while the other escaped on foot. A quick response from a nearby PCR personnel, constable Piyush, led to the arrest of Angrej, who was hiding inside a public toilet in Sector 27. Subsequently, Shubham and Amit were also arrested, and the Activa used in the robbery was recovered. The trio was produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Piaggio will soon take a call on launching new scooter range in India
HighlightsPiaggio will evaluate plans in June 2025 to enter India's mass scooter segment, moving beyond its premium Vespa brand. India could become an export hub, with new scooters also targeted for the African market. Piaggio is cautious on electric two- and three-wheelers in India due to low margins, despite having products ready. Global markets show mixed trends, with optimism in Vietnam but continued challenges in China and other parts of Asia. Piaggio will begin evaluating the results of its studies on launching a new scooter range for India in June this year. This was revealed by Michele Colaninno , Chief Executive Officer, in a recent Q&A session with analysts in Italy following the company's first quarter results for January-March. The company believes it is high time to enter the mass scooter segment in India 'as we see that we can match the competition now given that the GDP per capita is growing and we think we are now able to compete with other brands'. Colaninno had already indicated in recent times that Piaggio had a great opportunity to be part of the growing scooter segment in India which meant that it had to think beyond the niche premium positioning of Vespa . The feedback in June will show if the Italian automaker is confident of offering a competitively priced scooter range that can strike a chord with Indian customers. Also read: Piaggio CEO says it's time to look at mass segment scooters for India Passage to Africa If things do go according to plan, the new two-wheeler range produced in India will also be shipped out to Africa as part of a larger global strategy for Piaggio. 'As far as other markets are concerned, let's say we are thinking about going into Africa, as you know from India. And I confirm to you that strategically, in the medium to long term, it is a good opportunity for us. And I think that Africa could be the next India for our business,' said Colaninno. It was sometime in July last year when he first spoke of Piaggio's intent to look at a larger part of the Indian scooter pie. 'The mistake we have done in the past is more on the scooter side, where we have not been able to face the competition of low-cost vehicles. We have put in place a new team that will start from now, especially to target those kinds of vehicles,' said Colaninno. While the company would continue to be in the high/premium end with Vespa and Aprilia models, he added that this perhaps was not enough in terms of the overall scooter strategy. 'But at the same time, I think we have to be ready and able, more able than ready to fill the gap, let's say, with the competition that we have on scooters,' he said. If you take the Honda Activa, if you take TVS, they produce millions and millions of Colaninno There was a specific reference to competitors who have had a good run in the mass scooter space where numbers continue to grow at a brisk pace. 'If you take the Honda Activa, if you take TVS , they produce millions and millions of vehicles,' Colaninno pointed out. The Piaggio CEO was, however quick to add that such a comparison would not be apt. 'You cannot compare us with Honda, obviously, which has been there in the two-wheeler market for years in India. But we have…I think that we will take the right decisions to be ready and to enter the big volume market there. Not with the Vespa, not with the bike.' Upbeat about India The recent analyst session clearly reaffirmed the CEO's optimism about the Indian market and why he believed that it was imperative for his company to play a bigger role here. 'I am positive on India, I think it is a good place to be in. It is an enormous opportunity to be there…we will launch electric vehicles in the next (few) years and will continue to launch also thermic (internal combustion engine) vehicles in India in the next years,' he elaborated. The generous feedback for India continued with Colaninno insisting that it was a place where Piaggio was growing at an earnings level and that it was 'happy' about being there. 'We will introduce totally new vehicles in India because it is a different market. But for Europe and the US, I don't see the necessity to introduce totally 100% new vehicles,' said Colaninno Also read: Vespa maker Piaggio posts record margin despite 'anomalous' economy As far as electric mobility options for India was concerned, the company preferred to adopt a wait-and-watch attitude even while the transition was happening quite rapidly. 'The market is still going well. Electric mobility in India in the three-wheeled and two-wheeled business is low-margin. We have the vehicles, but we are not pushing, just waiting to see better purchasing power and reducing costs in the country,' he said. More specifically on electric three-wheelers, a segment that is growing quite fast, Colaninno pointed out that Piaggio was familiar with this business in India. 'We have 2,000 people there in a big factory. The three-wheeled electric vehicle market is subsidised and the state is putting money for this. We have the vehicles, no problem,' he added. Low margins inevitable In his view, the margins are 'lower for everybody' and it was not as if Piaggio was at a disadvantage compared to competition. The company plans to push mostly in big Indian cities and not for rural areas where the electric market is 'zero'. 'Given that we have done investments and we have the vehicle, we will be on the market. Obviously we are happy about the thermic engines that are more rural in India and we are gaining some market share over there in the specific segment,' said Colaninno. Asia is down, the consumer market is not recovering, especially in the premium market, even though we saw Vietnam in the last quarter that has shown, let's say, a plus. Even if it is a small plus, it is a plus compared to previous Colaninno While there was ample cause for cheer when it came to India, the scenario for Piaggio was not all hunky-dory elsewhere. 'Asia is down, the consumer market is not recovering, especially in the premium market, even though we saw Vietnam in the last quarter that has shown, let's say, a plus. Even if it is a small plus, it is a plus compared to previous quarters,' said Colaninno. And Vietnam, according to him, was 'very important for us, because it is a good market, it is a rich market and it is a high margin market'. Piaggio would now wait to see a 'rebirth' of the Asian markets. 'There is some slightly positive event in Vietnam. Thailand and Indonesia are still interesting for us,' he said. China strategy China, likewise, was 'still suffering' with the automotive market showing low numbers. Piaggio has a production facility in the country that is in the midst of restructuring and will be ready by the end of 2026. 'We are thinking of launching dedicated products for China market with our brands,' said the CEO. However, given that it is home to one of the biggest electric mobility businesses in the world, 'we will invest in those kind of vehicles' for the Chinese market. 'For the time being, it is not for exports, because outside of China, that business is still very, very low. We are investing, we will continue to invest in all the technologies — thermic engines, safety, electric engines — because we think the market will evolve, it will take time, but we will be ready to fulfill the needs of the customers, whether it is thermic or whether it is electric,' reiterated Colaninno.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Scooterist dies 12 days after being hit by SUV
Police have booked the driver of an SUV that hit a scooterist near the Sector 39/40 light point, claiming her life. The victim, 22-year-old Neha, a resident of Sector 39-D, succumbed to her injuries on May 22, 12 days after the accident, while undergoing treatment at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32. The complaint was lodged by Neha's sister, Sandhya, who witnessed the accident on May 10. According to Sandhya, Neha was returning home on her Honda Activa after dropping their father at the Sector 40 Community Centre. She added that while heading for some personal work in the same sector, she saw a rashly driven white Mahindra Scorpio, coming from the Sector 56 side, hitting Neha's scooter. 'I rushed to her aid and took her to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16,' Sandhya stated in her complaint. 'The SUV driver, Amandeep Singh, a resident of Mohali, later arrived at the hospital, and Neha, in a conscious state, identified him as the person who hit her.' But due to the severity of her injuries, Neha was referred to GMCH- 32, where she succumbed to her injuries. Based on Sandhya's statement, a case was registered under Sections 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Sector 39 police station on Sunday.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Two lives snuffed out in separate road mishaps in Panchkula and Mohali
Two persons lost their lives in separate road mishaps in Panchkula and Mohali on Wednesday. In the first case, a 31-year-old IT professional died in a hit-and-run near a park in Sector 24 in Panchkula. The victim, Amit Sheoran of Sector 27, who worked at an IT company in MDC, is survived by his wife and a four-year-old son. His father, Nathu Ram, a retired director of Haryana's department of economic and statistical affairs, lodged the complaint with the police, detailing that his son, who usually came home late from work, didn't return on Wednesday night. He added that around 2.15 am on Thursday, when his wife called Sheoran, a policeman answered, informing her about the accident. Upon reaching the scene, his parents found him lying on the road, bleeding from his nose and mouth. Eyewitnesses informed them that he was struck by an unknown silver-coloured car while riding his Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle. An ambulance rushed Sheoran to civil hospital, Sector 6, where doctors declared him dead. Chandimandir police have registered a case under Sections 106 (causing death by negligence) and 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are searching for the offender. In the second case, a 59-year-old man riding a Honda Activa scooter succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment after being hit by a speeding Hyundai Verna car in Sector 77, Mohali. The victim has been identified as Barinder Mahapatra, a resident of Mohali, who worked as a plumber. According to investigating officer ASI Jeet Chand, the accident took place around 10 am when Mahapatra was heading to work on his scooter. As he was passing Sector 77 and heading towards Sohana, the speeding car struck him from behind, leaving him critically injured. After the accident, the accused car driver rushed Mahapatra to Sohana Hospital and also deposited ₹25,000 for his treatment. However, Mahapatra succumbed to his injuries in the afternoon. After a postmortem examination, the body was handed over to his family. ASI Chand confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused car driver, who is currently absconding. His vehicle has been seized by the police.
India Today
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Honda Activa emergers as the 500 millionth two-wheeler from Honda
Honda reached a historic milestone, producing its 500-millionth motorcycle globally, 76 years after the launch of its first mass-produced motorcycle, the Dream D-Type, in 1949. The landmark unit, an Activa 110, rolled off the production line at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India's (HMSI) fourth plant in Vitthalapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. advertisementThe Honda Activa: The scooter that challenged motorcycle dominanceThe Activa, a cornerstone of Honda's two-wheeler lineup, has played a pivotal role in revolutionising the scooter segment. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, scooters were losing ground to motorcycles in many markets, particularly in India. The introduction of the first Activa in 2001 changed this trajectory. With its reliable 100cc engine, user-friendly automatic transmission, and practical design tailored for urban commuters, the Activa revitalised the scooter market. It offered a blend of affordability, durability, and convenience, appealing to a wide demographic, from young professionals to families. The first Activa's success laid the foundation for Honda's dominance in the scooter segment, making it a household name and sparking a resurgence in scooter popularity Honda Activa: The success story continuesThe Activa continues the legacy of success, maintaining its stronghold in the scooter market. The Activa also comes in an electric avatar, known as the Activa e:.advertisement The Activa 110 measures 1833mm in length, 677mm in width, and 1165mm in height, with a 1260mm wheelbase and 162mm ground clearance. Weighing just 106kg (105kg for the Smart variant), the 692 mm seat length ensures comfort for both rider and pillion. The fuel tank capacity is 5.3 Activa 110 is powered by a 109.51cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine delivering 7.73bhp at 8000 rpm and 9.05Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. The Activa is equipped with Honda's PGM-Fi fuel injection system and a viscous paper filter air cleaner. The automatic V-Matic transmission makes riding effortless, whether you're navigating traffic or cruising through suburbs. The scooter comes with telescopic front suspension and 3-step adjustable rear suspension, tubeless tires (90/90-12 front, 90/100-10 rear) and drum terms of tech, the scooter features a smart key with H-Smart technology, offering features like Smart Find, which helps locate your scooter in crowded parking lots, Smart Unlock for keyless access, and Smart Start for push-button ignition. The bike gets a 4.2-inch TFT display with three adjustable brightness levels. The Honda RoadSync App connects the scooter to your smartphone via Bluetooth, enabling voice-controlled navigation, calls, texts, and music Activa 110 is available in six colors options: Rebel Red Metallic, Pearl Siren Blue, Pearl Precious White, Pearl Igneous Black, Decent Blue Metallic, Mat Axis Grey Metallic. Practical touches include a 15W USB-C port for on-the-go charging, a double-lid external fuel fill for easy refueling, and an idling stop system to save fuel during global legacyadvertisementSince its founding in 1948, Honda has adhered to its core philosophy that 'the purpose of technology is to make people's lives easier.' Today, the company runs 37 production facilities in 23 countries, with an annual manufacturing capacity exceeding 20 million units. Honda offers a wide range of motorcycles—from everyday commuter bikes to high-performance leisure and electric models—through a global network of more than 30,000 2024, Honda declared its 'first year of global expansion' for electric motorcycles, introducing new models to meet evolving customer demands and sustainability production line in IndiaHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), the Indian arm of Honda Motor Co, has announced plans to expand its Vithalapur plant in Gujarat by adding a fourth production line. Scheduled to begin operations in 2027, this new line will boost the plant's annual output by 650,000 units, increasing total capacity to 2.61 million units per year—positioning it as Honda's largest motorcycle manufacturing facility to Auto Today Magazine
