Hero Moto to launch 50 models

Wednesday 27th January 2021 05:35 EST
 

Hero Moto, India's top-wheeler maker, crossed a record 100 million units in production, and is lining up an aggressive launch plan of 50 products and upgrades over the next five years, chairman Pawan Munjal said as the company works to strengthen its premium portfolio with new partner Harley-Davidson. Munjal said premium motorcycles and scooters will be a top focus area for the company, which is expanding globally in markets in Latin and Central America, Africa and Asia. Hero, which split from erstwhile partner Honda in 2011, is also focusing on electrics, where it is not only following an independent strategy but also through investments in startups like Ather. Munjal said electrification in mobility is going to get stronger in coming years, opening up opportunities not only in India but even overseas.

Gujarat planning to entice Tesla

Gujarat has made a strong pitch to invite Tesla - a leading name in the manufacture of electric cars - to set up base in the state. The company, which is setting up its research and development centre in Bengaluru, is in touch with a few states, including Gujarat, to start India operations. Manoj Das, additional chief secretary (ACS), Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and in charge ACS, industry and mines department, said the state government is in discussions with Tesla and has assured the company all possible assistance and incentives for setting up base in Gujarat. “The world’s top most automobile companies have set up manufacturing plants in the state, which has become an automobile hub with key MSME players supporting large companies. Major electric car manufacturers and vehicle battery manufacturers are setting up facilities in Gujarat. We are hopeful that like other global automakers, Tesla will prefer Gujarat,” the official said.

Karnataka tops Innovation Index

Karnataka has retained its top position among the major states, while Maharashtra has leapfrogged Tamil Nadu to occupy the second place in the second edition of the Innovation Index unveiled by government think tank NITI Aayog. Telangana, Kerala, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab complete the top 10 states. Among union territories and north-eastern and Hill States, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh occupy the top spots respectively. Among the major states, the average innovation score is 25.35. Karnataka tops at 42.5, which is attributable to its strong number of venture capital deals, registered GIs and ICT exports. Karnataka’s high FDI inflow has also enhanced the innovation capabilities of the state. Maharashtra follows second at 38, while Bihar finishes last at 14.5. The case for the southern states as the top performers has also become stronger as four of them occupy the top-five spots within the major states.


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