Hero MotoCorp Registers 15% Sales Growth in March 2023; Sells 5.2 Lakh Units

Hero MotoCorp, the two-wheeler manufacturer, reported a 15 per cent increase in total sales for March 2023, at 5,19,342 units, compared to 4,50,154 units in the same month last year. Domestic sales last month were 5,02,730 units compared to 4,15,764 units in March 2022, indicating a 21 per cent increase, the automaker said in a statement. However, compared to the same month last year, exports were lower at 16,612 units as opposed to 34,390 units. The company sold 8 per cent more units (53,28,546) in 2022–2023 than it did in 2021–2022 (49,44,150). Further, domestic sales increased by 11 per cent in FY23 from 46,43,526 units in FY22 to 51,55,793 units in FY23. According to the company, exports decreased from 3,00,624 units in FY22 to 1,72,753 units in FY23.

Also Read: Hero MotoCorp to Hike Prices of Select Models by 2% From April 1

Hero MotoCorp: Recent Developments

Niranjan Gupta was recently promoted by the Board of Hero MotoCorp from his previous roles as its Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy and M&A to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, effective May 1, 2023. As Executive Chairman and a Full-Time Director on the Board, Dr. Pawan Munjal will continue in those roles. To expand its scooter lineup, Hero MotoCorp also launched the brand-new 110cc Xoom scooter, and in FY23, the XTEC versions of the Splendor, the Passion, and the Super Splendor were also rolled out in our home market.

Meanwhile, Hero MotoCorp also collaborated on Premium Electric Motorcycles during the fiscal year with Zero Motorcycles, a US-based manufacturer of electric motorcycles and powertrains. Through this partnership, Hero's global reach and manufacturing prowess will be combined with Zero's expertise in creating powertrains and electric motorcycles. By entering into a partnership with Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC), a unit of the Columbian Group of Companies, to launch its products in the Philippines, Hero MotoCorp also announced its entry into the South East Asian market.

Also Read: 2023 Hero Xoom 110 Scooter Review: Features and Other Details Revealed | autoX

Hero Xoom 110: Key Details

The brand-new Hero Xoom 110 scooter was recently launched in India. There are three different variants on offer: LX, VX, and ZX. The LX variant costs Rs 68,599, the VX variant is priced at Rs 71,799, and the top-spec ZX variant costs Rs 76,699. All prices are ex-showroom. The Hero Xoom is the third 110cc gearless scooter in the manufacturer's portfolio, following the Pleasure Plus and the Maestro Edge. 

A 110cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine powers the Hero's Xoom 110. It produces 8.05bhp of maximum power at 7,250rpm and 8.70Nm of peak torque at 5,750rpm. A CVT transmission is used with the engine. While the LX and VX variants weigh 108kg, the ZX variant weighs 109kg. Hero claims that the Xoom 110 is the fastest-accelerating 110cc scooter among the current crop, completing the 0 to 60km/h sprint in 9.35 seconds.

Speaking of design, the Xoom 110 favours a sportier design style. The overall bodywork is pretty sharp, and the LED headlight and taillight add a modern touch. With the LED headlight and the H-shaped DRL motif, the front apron is reminiscent of the TVS NTorq 125 scooter. The seat is relatively broad and wide, and the rear section, which includes a grab rail and an attractive LED taillight, also has a sharp appearance. The side panels are creased for reference, which effectively draws attention to the proportions. The wheel design is also fairly sporty and complements the scooter well.

Feature-wise, the top-spec ZX variant includes intelligent cornering lights, an idle start-stop system (i3S), diamond-cut alloy wheels, and front disc brakes (HiCL). This is the first time an OEM has offered cornering lights for a mass-produced, inexpensive two-wheeler. The HiCL reportedly increases rider safety and functions with the aid of an integrated gyroscope and accelerometer. The Xoom 110cc scooter competes with models like the TVS Jupiter and the Honda Activa Smart.