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Your Daily Automobile updates From Around The World [img]  [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( [img]( [The Automobile News]( [Honda India aims to expand bike portfolio with multiple new products]( The company’s focus on filling the gaps in its portfolio to acquire more customers stems from the underlying fact that with the implementation of BS 6 emission norms, profitability on each model has come down, leading to its review of each model line. Two-wheeler major Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) aims to expand its bike portfolio in the country as it looks to bring in new set of customers from both rural and urban areas to its fold, a top company official said. In an interview with PTI, HMSI’s newly appointed President, CEO and Managing Director Atsushi Ogata said the company aims to bring in entry-level affordable products for rural areas while strengthening its mid-segment range (above 150cc) as well as super bike portfolio to cater to different set of customers. The Japanese company, which dominates scooter segment in the country with products like Activa and Dio, is now looking to expand its footprint in rural areas with a new motorcycle which would sit below its CD 110 range, the company’s most affordable bike at the moment. The company’s focus on filling the gaps in its portfolio to acquire more customers stems from the underlying fact that with the implementation of BS 6 emission norms, profitability on each model has come down, leading to its review of each model line. “This issue (dip in profitability) is not only for HMSI, (but) for the entire industry. So therefore, we plan to review model by model profitability and try to change model mix itself to have profitable model mix,” Ogata said. The review would not impact the current models, but will look at filling the gaps in the portfolio to acquire all kinds of new customers, he added. He noted that the company currently lacks entry level motorcycle which could compete with the competitors. “Unfortunately, we do not have a strong product for rural areas, therefore definitely we need a model to acquire such kind of customers because Honda philosophy is to supply affordable products to customers. It is our responsibility to provide a product that people in rural areas can buy,” Ogata said. Therefore, it is under study to develop such kind of model for entry, he added. “We don’t have actual product in this segment. Of course, we have CD 110 but it cannot penetrate such markets,” Ogata noted. When asked for timeline for launch of the entry-level bike, Ogata said it will take some time “but not five or ten years”. Noting that India has diverse regions with different requirements in terms of mobility, Ogata said the company would also strengthen its mid-range portfolio (above 150cc) going ahead. In India, there are high income groups as well, and Honda has the technology to bring in new products in this category as well, he said. “We already have Unicorn and others in the over 150cc segment, but that is not enough. Soon enough, we will release some attractive models to establish new customer groups in urban centres,” Ogata noted. On premium bike segment, he said the focus now would be on localisation and India centric products. “Currently, we don’t have localised premium motorcycles with HMSI. Parts are coming from other countries and the products itself are oriented towards advanced countries.” He further said, “Africa Twin, CBR…they are not India oriented models…so we should have localised, original products exclusively tested for the Indian market. Such models are under study, today I cannot tell more but soon details will follow.” He further said, “Africa Twin, CBR…they are not India oriented models…so we should have localised, original products exclusively tested for the Indian market. Such models are under study, today I cannot tell more but soon details will follow.” Ogata said the company would not only launch new products but would also like to create culture for such products with curated drives and other activities. Currently, motorcycle sales account for just around 35 per cent of the company’s total sales in a year. Scooter range, on the other hand, accounts for the rest 65 per cent of the sales. HMSI currently sells eight bike models, including two superbikes, in the country. Ogata, who was appointed HMSI head in May, could join office only last month due to Covid-19 led travel restrictions. Prior to joining here, he was based in Bangkok, serving as Executive Director of Honda’s Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania region). When asked to list his immediate priorities as HMSI chief, Ogata said he would like to begin with a review of company’s operations in order to recover from losses due to the coronavirus pandemic led lockdown. “So my first task is recovery of last two month’s losses, I think it is good opportunity to review everything in the company, not only the factories but also sales and other departments,” he noted. Ogata, who has over 35 years of experience across various roles around the globe, said the business scenario is improving month on month now. “Hopefully it will be back to normal in next one year, so before that it would be helpful to review everything to get back the advantage,” he noted. When asked if HMSI would also look at enhancing exports going ahead, Ogata said Honda Motor Co has lot of expectations from Indian motorcycle buisness. “Within three years, HMSI will become biggest resource for exports among the Honda Group because now we have BS 6 products which could be exported to even advanced countries,” he noted. [Read more…]( [Read Full Story]( [1968 Ford Mustang – Faster than a Speeding Bullitt]( The 1968 Ford Mustang offered incredible engine options and safety features that made it a stand out car from the rest of the crowd in the 1960s.  Half a century ago, the first generation Mustang was a real magnet for customers in the American car market. The Mustang brought a much-needed freshness to the American car markets and it was also accessible to a wider crowd of people due to a more favorable economic condition at the time of production. Although it has the reputation of being a typical American muscle car, the range of versions was diverse enough for the different tastes, needs, and wallet thicknesses. The 1968 Mustangs’ Charm Regardless of the model year, the base and purpose of the Mustang remained the same throughout time. Like the first, the 1968 Mustang mastered the demanding play between sportiness and usability. With the 1968 model year’s introduction of the incredibly powerful 428 V8 engines, one might think that the Mustang had shifted more towards power rather than usability. The eight-cylinder engine roared with a powerful penetrating sound. These sounds spoke volumes at higher RPMs that the driver repeatedly asked himself about the legality of his actions. Not because of the dizzying increase in speed achieved, but because of the noise generated. [1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback]  The 1968 Ford Mustang GT was notoriously known as a fast car. Faster than its predecessors and despite its power, it remains surprisingly well manageable. This is mostly thanks to the improved suspension which came with every GT model Mustang. Putting the foot to the floor, and what usually follows is a predictable slip of the front wheels, and if the driver wishes, the Mustang will slip at the back too. Driving a powerful 1968 Mustang with zero electronic stability systems as we are used to today is not an easy task and requires an experienced driver. That right there is the charm of the Mustang- it is wild, it is unpredictable, but most of all it will raise your heartbeat and remind you why you love cars so much. 1968 Ford Mustang – New Development and Changes In 1967 the first-generation Mustang received the first major redesign which continued in the 1968 model year. The 1968 Ford Mustang is well known as the initial Mustang to display side markers. The additional side markers were added to the 1968 Mustang as new USA Federal regulations demanded all new vehicles have front and back side markers. This is also the most straightforward way to differentiate a pre-1968 Mustang from the 1968 Mustang. The second federally mandated safety feature was the shoulder belts. Both of these safety features made the 1968 Mustang the safest Mustang ever. [Side Markers on 1968 Ford Mustang ] Another point of difference was that the 1968 Mustang also featured a newly designed two-spoke energy-absorbing steering wheel. [Interior of 1968 Ford Mustang] There were also several other modifications with the 1968 model year. The 1968 Mustang was the first Mustang with no ‘FORD’ lettering on the hood of the car. In addition, the side scoops were switched out in 1968 and replaced with one-piece chrome details (they were also pointed out by the new C-stripe graphics). The other major design change was the grille. Gone were the two horizontal lines surrounding the steed emblem. They added a single band around the emblem and a horizontal line connecting the band to the sides of the grille. Another small but significant change was the application of the rearview mirror to the windshield and not the frame of the car. Taking a look at the 1968 Ford Mustang brochure, you can see several new features that at first were not picked up by journalists. There was an update to the odometer which let you reset it with a single push of a button to accurately measure the distance of your trip. This was only available with V8 powered Mustangs. The 1968 Mustangs also featured a rear window defogger, an important new feature that improved visibility through the back window. A high-speed fan directed flow of air to the rear window which kept it fog-free. The third remarkable feature was a group of “convenience” signal lights on the dashboard. These signal lights flashed to advise you to buckle your seat belts, to release the parking brake, and to warn you of low fuel levels and unclosed doors. These features, although common today, were a standout feature of the day. [Side profile of 1968 Ford Mustang] Performance and Engine Selection In 1968, Ford offered the Mustang with a choice of seven engines, one 6-cylinder engine and six V8 engines. Horsepower ranged from 120 in the 6-cylinder engine and all the way up to 335 horsepower and more in the 428 cubic-inch V8 engine. A newcomer in the engine lineup was the 302 engine which served as a replacement for the old 289 engines. The 302 offered 30 more horsepower than the 289 engine, 230 hp in total. [Read more…]( [Read Full Story]( [First Bentley Pikes Peak Continental GT Built, Ready For Delivery]( Powered by the turbo Bentley W12 engine found in the record-breaking car, the Pikes Peak Continental GT will be delivered starting September 2020. Less than a week before the 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a Continental GT wrapped in greenish finish rolled off the production line at Bentley’s factory in Crewe, England. But this isn’t just any Continental GT, a supercar in Grand Touring form. It’s the first of 15 limited examples of the Pikes Peak Continental GT. Why did Bentley create this special edition and what sets it apart? Let’s take a look. Great Bentley Milestones As reported by HotCars, the Bentley Continental GT – driver by Rhys Millen – became the fastest production car at Pikes Peak in 2019 after completing the hill climb in 10 minutes and 18.488 seconds, beating the previous record by 8.4 seconds. A year prior, the Bentley Bentayga became the fastest SUV at Pikes Peak in 2018 with a time of 10 minutes and 49.9 seconds. These two feats represent great milestones for Bentley, proving that the car could be both dynamic and opulent. The carmaker was so ecstatic with the achievements that it announced later in 2019 that it would honor the Pikes Peak record holder with a special edition. That special edition is the Pikes Peak Continental GT. Just Like The Pikes Peak GT The Pikes Peak Continental GT follows the color scheme of the record-breaking car: a greenish Radium by Mulliner exterior finish with a carbon fiber body kit. Several exterior parts feature gloss black detailing, with an optional ‘100’ grille available. Featuring a Pikes Peak decal on its front bumper, the limited edition rides on 22-inch gloss black Mulliner Driving Specification wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero Colour Edition rubbers. Acid Green brake disc calipers can be seen through the wheels. Carbon fiber trim is abundant inside the Pikes Peak Continental GT. Separated by a black center console, its Alcantara seats feature Radium thread stitching, with headrests stitched with Pikes Peak embroidery (Radium). The steering wheel has a Radium-colored honeycomb stitching design and center stripe. Its front fascia dons Pikes Peak track graphics and 10:18.488 numbers, referring to the car’s record time. [Read more…]( [Read Full Story]( ------------------ You Might Like [Learn more about RevenueStripe...](        ------------------ Connect with TheAutomobileNews on Facebook and Twitter [fb](  [tw]( ------------------ You received this email because you operate or create content for a website/service and based on your website it seemed like this could be important information to you and your users. Want to change how you receive these emails? [Update your preferences]( or [Unsubscribe](