Domestic car sales down by 5 pc, bikes dip by 19 pc in September

New Delhi:

Domestic car sales declined by 5.36 per cent to 1,57,536 units in September 2012 compared to 1,66,464

units in September 2011. According to the data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers

(SIAM), motorcycle sales last month fell by 18.85 per cent to 7,53,693 units, from 9,28,716 units in
September 2011.

Total two-wheeler sales in September 2012 decreased by 12.92 per cent to 10,69,069 units from

12,27,662 in August 2011. However, total sales of commercial vehicles rose marginally to 70,683 units,

from 70,658 units in the year-ago period, SIAM said.

Total sale of vehicles across categories registered a dip of 9.43 per cent to 14,18,134 units last month, as

against 15,65,757 units in September 2011, it added.

Harley-Davidson Fat Bob launched in India at Rs 12.8 lakh

Harley-Davidson India has been at the forefront of expanding its product line up in the country over the past two years. The manufacturer has now launched its latest CKD offering in the country, the Fat Bob, priced at Rs 12.8 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

A member of the Dyna family, just like the Street Glide Custom and Street Bob that were launched a few months back, the Fat Bob is the sixth Harley to enter the Indian market via the CKD route. Its pricing slots the Fat Bob between the Street Bob and Street Glide Custom, which are priced at Rs 10.1 lakh and Rs 11.65 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi respectively.

The Fat Bob is styled like most other Harleys, but its twin round headlamps give the motorcycle a very distinct identity. The name Fat Bob comes from the fat front end of the motorcycle, consisting of thick front forks and a meaty 130-section tyre. The engine is the same 1690cc, air-cooled V-twin motor seen previously on other members of the Harley family. The engine produces a healthy 135Nm at a lowly 3500rpm and is mated to a six-speed transmission. ABS is on offer as an option.

The bike, in five different colours, will be available at all nine Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country.