2/3 Wheelers

 

ASHAPURA TRADE & TRANSPORT GEARS UP FOR BATTERY OPERATED TWO-WHEELER    Taking Electrotherm's high powered YOelectron head on, Ahmedabad-based Ashapura Trade & Transport Private Limited is now planning to launch a 250-watt battery operated two wheeler soon. Ashapura Trade & Transport has been selling below 250W battery operated two wheelers under the brand name of 'Power Byke'.   "The high powered bike will bear a capacity of over 250 watt and will redefine the battery operated two wheeler segment. The product has also been approved by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)," said a source close to the development. While the investment figures could not be ascertained, the product will be launched in a few months.   Unlike the company's previous products, the 250W plus two wheeler will be specifically a two-seater. "People have developed lot of misconceptions about battery-operated vehicles. While they use these products unwisely, they blame the manufacturers for the failures. For instance, a battery-operated two wheeler with less than 250 wattage should not be driven with a pillion. But since the Indian conditions require such kind of a vehicle, the company has planned launch one," the source said.   The new electric bike will require an RTO registration as well as a legal number plate since the product has been approved by ARAI," the source added. Apart from 'Power Byke', Ashapura Trade & Transport also manufactures battery operated two wheelers under the brand names of 'Power Fule', 'Power Ride', 'Power Tune' and 'Power Bird'.   "In the recent times, battery operated bikes have not been so popular due to low battery life. Since an electric two wheeler, which is supposed to carry only one person, carries two persons, the battery wears out quickly. This forced the company to research and come up with a stronger bike that can carry more load," the source said.   While some of the components are imported, the vehicle is assembled at its plant on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.       ELECTRIC BIKE MAKERS IPO SOON    Kabirdass Motor Co, maker of 'Xite' electric bikes, has approached the market regulator SEBI with a draft prospectus for an initial public offer to part-finance its plans to invest over Rs 100 crore in its business.   The company is looking to raise Rs 81.28 crore from the sale of its shares, including Rs 61.28 crore from the IPO. Besides, it has tied up for a bank term loan worth Rs 20 crore, as per its draft IPO prospectus filed with the SEBI.   This is the first Indian automaker in many years to come out with an IPO and the second company to file for an initial public offer this fiscal after Adani Power. The total investment plan of Rs 101.28 crore includes those for land, building, plant and machinery, research and development, brand promotion and other expenses.   Chennai-based Kabirdass Motor Company Limited was incorporated as a private limited company in November 2006 and is engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of electric bikes and scooters under the brand name 'Xite'.   It presently outsources various parts of the scooter it assembles and the finished product is sold in the market through dealers. However, the company is now looking for in-house development of some critical parts such as mainframe, plastic parts, motor, controller, paint shop chargers and battery.