TVS Motor Company is gearing up to launch the TVS Jupiter 125 CNG in India, likely in 2025. This follows Bajaj Auto’s groundbreaking introduction of the world’s first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125. TVS aims to become the first manufacturer globally to develop a scooter from the ground up to run on CNG.
Launch and Sales Targets
The TVS Jupiter 125 CNG, developed under the project codename U740, is set to be a 125cc CNG scooter. If development proceeds as planned, the launch could happen as early as the last quarter of 2024, but no later than the first half of 2025. The company is targeting monthly sales of around 1,000 units, focusing on providing cleaner fuel alternatives and reducing carbon emissions.
Technology and R&D
TVS has been investing in alternative fuel technologies for several years and has already developed a CNG powertrain, which will be used in the Jupiter scooter. A company spokesperson emphasized their interest in various technologies, including CNG, electric vehicles (EV), and multi-fuel systems. They also mentioned plans to launch an electric vehicle, an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, and an electric three-wheeler (E3W) this year.
Market Position and Product Range
TVS Motor Company is the third-largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India, holding an 18% market share with annual sales of 3.15 million units. As the country’s second-largest scooter manufacturer, TVS accounts for one in four scooters sold in India, with annual sales of around 1 million motorcycles and half a million scooters. Their diverse product lineup includes mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, an electric bike for BMW, and high-end motorcycles under the Norton brand.
Pricing and Competition
The upcoming Jupiter 125 CNG is expected to be priced similarly to the Bajaj Freedom 125, which ranges between Rs 95,000 and Rs 1.10 lakh. The Freedom 125 features a 2-litre petrol tank and a 2-kilogram CNG cylinder, offering an efficiency of 102 km/kg for CNG and 65 km/litre for petrol, with a combined range of approximately 330 km. Currently, the TVS Jupiter 125 is priced between Rs 79,299 and Rs 90,480 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Jupiter CNG will likely be in the same price bracket as the Freedom 125.
In summary, TVS’s foray into CNG technology with the Jupiter 125 CNG highlights their commitment to innovative and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
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