Autocar Professional’s November 15 issue – is out!

The issue that belongs the new fortnight has rolled out and it packs a lot on two wheels. Yes, with Indian two-wheeler manufacturers making a strong statement at EICMA 2017, the leading motorcycle show in Milan, it had to be. 

 
Not content with their large numbers in the domestic market, Indian two-wheeler majors have set out to conquer the world. That’s why Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, decided to take the covers off its designed-and-developed-in-India XPulse adventure concept bike on a global platform like EICMA.

The big story of the fortnight, of course, is iconic motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield’s reveal of its new growth engine – the all-new, four-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled, 648cc parallel twin-cylinder engine developed by the company’s YK Technology Centre and Chennai R&D teams. It is also this engine which powers the new Interceptor INT 650 and Continental GT 650 café racer showcased at EICMA. For Royal Enfield, these two new motorcycles will be the drivers of its unbridled ambition to dominate the global midsize motorcycle market. 

 
CEO Siddhartha Lal, of course, is bullish on the prospects of the new engine – in a freewheeling interview, he reveals what went into developing the new platform, the heightened focus on quality, learnings from the Himalayan adventure bike and – surprise of surprises – he does not deny the idea of going electric in the future!

Another true-blue British marque on two wheels and a blast from the past is Norton Motorcycles, which has announced a collaboration with the Pune-based Kinetic Group for making and selling Nortons in India. In an exclusive interview, CEO and owner Stuart Garner reveals the product and manufacturing strategy. 

 
The electric two-wheeler space is also picking up pace. Gurgaon-based start-up Twenty Two Motors, recently showcased its tech-laden Flow electric scooter, plans to begin production at Bhiwadi by February 2018. Find out whether the new product has what it takes to win over the buyer who’s grown up on fossil-fueled machines.

In the Analysis section, we find out how GM India, which is now focusing solely on export operations from its Talegaon plant, plans to maintain a service network across the country, honour all Chevrolet vehicle warranties and also keep ample spare parts for a 10-year period.

This year’s edition of the Automotive Engineering Show in Chennai (November 9-11) saw 80 exhibitors showcase engineering and manufacturing technologies, products and services targeted at the automotive industry. Our report details some of the exhibitors including TAL Manufacturing Solutions, Panasonic Group, Futura Apsol, Omron, Advance Graphic Systems and Sumika Polymer Compounds India.

If you're keen to stay abreast of the sales in the Indian automobile industry, turn to the Sales Analysis pages. You get a truly comprehensive report on how the passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle and two-wheeler segments have fared. 

Like always, the magazine opens to a cracking news section. Find out how Coimbatore-based Pricol Ltd is making speedy moves to be future-ready, this time with parking assistance systems. Or why Suzuki is betting big on scooters and premium scooters for growth in India, the battle for sales in the SUV marketplace, and Ashok Leyland's big win in the total quality management stakes.      

Where to buy? 
Autocar Professional magazine is available through all good newsagents and for download from Magzter. 

You can also buy one-off copies – contact Ganesh at ganesh@haymarket.co.in. Alternatively, never miss an issue –subscribe to Autocar Professional magazine today. It's essential reading for the automotive industry.