Hero Motocorp , India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced the launch of XCLAN, a community-riding platform and official owners club designed exclusively for Xpulse motorcycle enthusiasts. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community among Xpulse owners and promote the spirit of adventure riding.

Initial Launch and Expansion Plans

XCLAN is set to kick off its operations in five major cities across India:

• Dehradun
• Guwahati
• Bengaluru
• Cochin
• Mumbai

Hero MotoCorp has outlined plans to expand the platform's reach to additional cities by the latter half of 2022, with a particular focus on tier II and III cities. This expansion strategy is aimed at cultivating a broader community of riders and enthusiasts throughout the country.

Membership Benefits

XCLAN offers a range of benefits to its members for an annual fee of Rs. 2,000.00. The membership package includes:

• An onboarding kit
• Invitations to exclusive rides and rally events
• Complimentary Hero Goodlife Platinum Membership
• Access to a network of like-minded riders

Riding Categories

The platform will offer three distinct categories of rides to cater to various preferences and skill levels:

1. Sunrise Rides
2. Overnight Rides
3. Expedition Rides

These engagements are scheduled to commence from July 2022, providing members with diverse riding experiences.

Community Building Initiative

By launching XCLAN, Hero MotoCorp aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for Xpulse owners. The platform is designed to bring together motorcycle enthusiasts, fostering connections and shared experiences among riders who share a passion for adventure and exploration.

As the initiative unfolds, it is expected to strengthen brand loyalty and enhance the overall ownership experience for Xpulse motorcycle owners. The expansion into tier II and III cities also signals Hero MotoCorp's commitment to reaching a wider audience and promoting the culture of community riding across different regions of India.

Hero MotoCorp , India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has reported strong sales figures for August while continuing to advocate for GST reforms that could benefit the automotive industry. The company's Chairman, Pawan Munjal, has expressed strong support for the government's consideration of GST rate reductions on two-wheelers, emphasizing the potential positive impact on the sector and consumers.

August Sales Performance

Hero MotoCorp reported August sales of 5,53,727 units, an 8% increase from 5,12,360 units in the same month last year. The sales figures exceeded market estimates of 5,30,300 units for the month, showcasing the company's strong performance in the two-wheeler market.

Potential Benefits of GST Reduction

Munjal highlighted several key advantages that could result from a GST rate cut:

1. Improved Affordability: A lower GST rate would make two-wheelers more accessible to a broader range of consumers, particularly benefiting first-time buyers.

2. Rural and Semi-Urban Impact: The chairman emphasized that reduced taxes would provide significant relief to customers in rural and semi-urban areas, where two-wheelers are often essential for personal mobility.

3. Economic Stimulus: Munjal pointed out that the two-wheeler industry is a crucial economic driver, contributing substantially to government revenues and employment generation.

Current GST Structure

The existing GST framework for two-wheelers is as follows:

Upcoming GST Council Meeting

The GST Council is scheduled to convene on September 3-4 to discuss potential reforms. These discussions are expected to focus on restructuring the tax rates for most goods, potentially shifting them into either the 5% or 18% tax brackets. This meeting could prove pivotal for the two-wheeler industry if favorable decisions are made regarding tax rates.

Industry Implications

A reduction in GST rates for two-wheelers could have far-reaching effects on the industry:

• Sales Boost: Lower prices could stimulate demand, potentially leading to increased sales volumes for manufacturers like Hero MotoCorp.
• Market Expansion: Improved affordability might open up new market segments, particularly in price-sensitive rural and semi-urban areas.
• Economic Ripple Effect: Increased two-wheeler sales could have positive knock-on effects for related industries and overall economic growth.

As the industry awaits the outcome of the GST Council meeting, stakeholders remain hopeful that the government will consider the potential benefits of a tax reduction for this crucial sector of the Indian economy. Meanwhile, Hero MotoCorp's strong August sales performance demonstrates the company's resilience and market strength in the current economic climate.