Tag: bikes

  • Over 100,000 students register for interest-free motorcycle initiative

    Over 100,000 students register for interest-free motorcycle initiative

    The Punjab government has announced a significant initiative to offer interest-free motorcycles to students, with over 100,000 registrations received through the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) e-bike portal.

    This scheme aims to provide 20,000 motorcycles to students in Punjab, allowing them easier and more affordable transportation options.

    According to the PITB on Tuesday, the e-Bikes Portal has facilitated students across Punjab to register for the initiative, with more than 16,000 online applications already submitted.

    Out of these, over 13,500 students have applied for petrol bikes, while more than 3,800 have opted for e-bikes.

    The portal remains open for further applications, encouraging students to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

    The initiative offers a flexible down payment and monthly instalment plan, with the government covering the markup on both.

    This arrangement allows students to manage the cost of their motorcycles over time without the burden of interest, making it a more accessible option for those who rely on personal transportation for their education.

    Eligible applicants must be regular students of government or private graduate colleges or universities, aged 18 or older, and possess a valid driving license or learner permit.

    In the initial phase, the distribution of e-bikes will focus on the cities of Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi. Petrol bikes will be distributed across other districts of Punjab.

    The deadline for applications is April 29, and interested students can register through the e-Bikes Portal [bikes.punjab.gov.pk].

    PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf highlighted the transparency of the system, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the broader goal of facilitating education across Punjab.

    He stated that the program’s aim is to make it easier for students to access motorcycles, enhancing their mobility and supporting their educational journey.

  • Atlas Honda announces second price hike within 20 days due to depreciation of Pakistani rupee

    Atlas Honda announces second price hike within 20 days due to depreciation of Pakistani rupee

    Atlas Honda has announced its second price increase in the last 20 days, attributing it to the substantial depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, which had also led to their earlier bike price hike on February 15, 2023.

    According to the company’s notification, Honda bike prices will be as follows:

    Honda CD70

    The Honda CD70 will now cost Rs144,900, an increase of Rs7,000 from the previous price of Rs137,900.

    Honda CD 70 Dream

    The Honda CD 70 Dream will now cost Rs155,500, an increase of Rs8,600 from the previous price of Rs147,500.

    Honda Pridor

    The new price of the Honda Pridor is Rs190,500, an increase of Rs9,000 from the previous price of Rs181,500.

    Honda CG 125

    The Honda CG 125 will now cost Rs214,900, an increase of Rs9,000 from the previous price of Rs205,900.

    Honda CG 125 SE

    The Honda CG 125 SE will now cost Rs255,900, an increase of Rs12,000 from the previous price of Rs243,900.

    Honda CB 125F

    The Honda CB 125F will now cost Rs350,900, an increase of Rs20,000 from the previous price of Rs330,900.

    Honda CB 150F

    The Honda CB 150F will now cost Rs443,900, an increase of Rs25,000 from the previous price of Rs418,900.

    Honda CB 150F SE

    The Honda CB 150F SE will now cost Rs447,900, an increase of Rs25,000 from the previous price of Rs422,900.

    This is the second price hike within the last 20 days, which has further eroded the purchasing power of the middle class that is already struggling due to inflation. With car and bike prices on the rise, the common person is finding it increasingly difficult to afford their daily means of transportation.

  • Pak Suzuki increases motorcycle prices by up to Rs25,000

    Pak Suzuki increases motorcycle prices by up to Rs25,000

    Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd. (PSMCL) has increased motorcycle prices by Rs20,000-25,000, effective February 1st.

    The new rate for GD110 S, GS150, GSX125, and GR150 is Rs264,000, Rs286,000, Rs384,000, and Rs410,000.

    However, the company’s communication to authorised dealers lacked any explanation for the price increase.

    PSMCL had temporarily ceased taking new bike orders as of January 20 due to supply chain constraints based on imports and unpredictable production capacity in the current economic climate.

    Read more: Latest Suzuki car prices

    Pak Suzuki has been enjoying a smooth journey, recording sales of 20,762 units in FY23 compared to 18,030 at the same time last fiscal year, as sales of all two-wheeler assemblers have remained flat due to rising prices, quality problems, and affordability difficulties.

    The assembler of Hi-Speed motorcycles has also increased the rate by Rs25,000 of 150cc Infinity and 200cc Freedom followed by a Rs2,500-Rs3,500 hike in 70cc-125cc motorcycles.

  • ‘We are unable to serve new customers’: Pak Suzuki announces booking suspension for all motorcycles

    ‘We are unable to serve new customers’: Pak Suzuki announces booking suspension for all motorcycles

    Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) stated on Thursday that it had halted taking reservations for motorbikes until further notice due to issues with manufacturing and procurement following the consecutive closures of its automobile assembling factories caused by an ongoing inventory crisis.

    “Under the present economic circumstances, import-based supply chain constraints and uncertain production possibilities, we are unable to serve new customers,” the company said in a letter to dealers.

    The suspension of reservations would start today.

    “We will, therefore, stop bookings of our motorcycle products from January 20, 2023, for the time being. However, bookings will resume as the situation becomes favourable to serve fresh customers.”

    With the rupee falling and inflation at decades-high levels, Pakistan’s economy has collapsed along with a simmering political crisis, but disastrous floods and a worldwide energy crisis have added to the strain.

    Almost all industries, including the automotive sector, have been slowed down by a lack of imported components and materials, and an alarmingly large number of businesses have been forced to cease operations.

    As Pakistan struggles with a dire foreign exchange crisis, thousands of containers filled with basic food supplies, raw materials, and medical equipment have been held up at the Karachi port.

    According to Express Tribune, banks are refusing to issue fresh letters of credit for importers due to a shortage of needed dollars, which is hurting an economy already under pressure from high inflation and weak growth.

  • Yamaha increases motorcycle prices for the 5th time in 2022

    Yamaha increases motorcycle prices for the 5th time in 2022

    Yamaha has announced a significant price increase for motorcycles effective from August 1, 2022. All variants from the manufacturer, including the YB 125Z, YB 125Z DX, YBR 125, and YBR 125G, have seen price increases.

    It is important to note that this is the fifth price rise for Yamaha motorcycles in Pakistan since the year 2022 started, with the previous increase occurring in June 2022 and costing more than Rs20,000 for each model.

    The Yamaha YB 125Z will now cost Rs273,000 after an increase of Rs18,000, and the Yamaha YB 125Z DX will cost Rs292,000 after a hike of Rs18,000.

    Similarly, the Yamaha YBR 125’s price has increased by Rs19,500 to Rs300,000. After an increase of Rs20,500 for both models, the price of the Yamaha YBR 125G (Black/Red) is now Rs312,500, and the Yamaha YBR 125G (Gray) is now priced at Rs315,500.

    Nevertheless, this was to be expected, and over the course of 2022, Yamaha Motorcycle prices are predicted to rise by several factors, especially in light of the depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) against the US dollar and the implementation of the Super Tax on the automotive industry.

    There is little justification for motorcycle manufacturers to raise prices so frequently and by such significant margins as bike manufacturing has been localised by up to 94 per cent in Pakistan.

    The depreciation of the local currency caused price hikes across the board in Pakistan’s auto industry, whether it be for cars or two-wheelers, pushing prices out of reach for an average person.

  • Lahore man receives e-challan for his motorcycle stolen eight years ago

    Lahore man receives e-challan for his motorcycle stolen eight years ago

    A resident of Lahore was fined for a traffic violation involving his motorcycle that had been stolen for atleast eight years.

    The victim, Imran received an e-challan and discovered that his long-stolen bike was being used by police officers in the Sabzazar neighbourhood.

    The individual filed a complaint with the Chief Civilian Personnel Officer (CCPO), requesting that his bike be returned to him from the cops who were using it.

    In other news, the rate of street crimes in the provincial capital appears to have spiralled out of control, considering a report released in March.

    As per police statistics, more than 300 incidences of robbery and theft were reported in the city over the last two days of February, while the month of March began with nearly 350 incidents in the provincial capital.

    People lost millions of rupees in cash, gold jewellery, automobiles, and motorcycles in the first two months of 2022.

    According to data, 209 robberies resulted in loot worth more than Rs10 million, with 59 incidences of motorcycle theft reported at the time.

    E-challans declared illegal by LHC

    E-challan is seen as an effective solution to reduce traffic violations and promote safe transportation, however, the system was recently pronounced “illegal” by the Lahore High Court (LHC).

    On Wednesday, the LHC observed that the electronic challan (e-ticket) system was implemented without sufficient planning and instructed the authorities to address the matter. During the hearing, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh asked the Punjab chief secretary to notify the chief minister of the lapse, who will take prompt action to correct the problem.

    The judge made the remarks after hearing a plea from a transporter, who told the court that he was unaware of roughly 55 e-challans filed against him.

  • Netizens want ‘tangas’ back on roads as petrol hits Rs209.86

    Netizens want ‘tangas’ back on roads as petrol hits Rs209.86

    To meet the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditions, the government has unleashed another big gasoline bomb on the country after another hike of Rs30. In less than a month, the price of petrol has risen by Rs60 to Rs209.86.

    The latest petrol price hike came just hours after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved a power tariff hike of Rs7.91 per unit.

    In an attempt to save money, a large number of people rushed to nearby petrol pumps to fill up their tanks before midnight. Numerous two-wheelers, as well as sedans and full-fledged SUVs, formed long lines outside gas stations.

    Several traffic bottlenecks were observed in key areas of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad due to long queues of automobiles.

    Netizens expressed their displeasure on social media platforms, alleging that petrol had become out of reach for the general public.

    Despite hefty price increases that would unleash a strong wave of inflation, Pakistan is still far from reaching an agreement with the IMF which requires a budget agreement for fiscal year 2022-23.

    Petrol now costs Rs209.86 per litre, high-speed diesel (HSD) costs Rs204.15, kerosene oil costs Rs181.94 and light diesel oil costs Rs178.31, thanks to the rise.

    The Finance Minister, Miftah Ismail went on to say that the government is holding talk with the IMF on a daily basis. “We cannot accede to all of their requests, but we must agree on certain aspects”.

    He insisted that the petroleum subsidy announced by former Prime Minister Imran Khan had to be rescinded to avoid financial losses.

    Journalist Kazmi Wajahat described the chaotic scene outside gas stations just before the higher rates went into effect at 12 am.

    The decision to remove the gasoline subsidy should have been made sooner, according to economists, who also warned that the worst is still to come.

    One-unit price of electricity has increased from Rs16.91 to Rs24.82 as a result of the new raise. The hike has been reported to the federal government by Nepra. According to a statement, the increased tariffs will take effect after the government issues its final notification. Recent hike in tariffs has been attributed to the rupee’s depreciation and increased oil prices on the foreign market.

  • Honda 125S will now be sold for nearly Rs200,000

    Honda 125S will now be sold for nearly Rs200,000

    Several factors, including burgeoning raw material costs, continuous depreciation of the local currency, and greater freight rates, have forced the Pakistani two-wheeler industry to announce regular price hikes in 2022, putting motorcycles in a price range that is difficult to afford for a remarkable portion of the populace.

    Atlas Honda recently announced a price increase for their motorcycles in the range of Rs3,600-9,000, with the new rates taking effect from June 1, 2022.

    United, Metro, and Road Prince, among other Chinese motorbike manufacturers, have also hiked their two-wheeler prices.

    New prices

    The price of the Honda CD 70 has increased by Rs3,600, to Rs106,500. Similarly, following a Rs4,000 increase, the CD70 Dream model is now available for Rs113,500.

    Following a Rs5,000 price hike, the Pridor variant will now be available for Rs144,900.

    The CG125 and CG125S have had their prices increased by Rs5,000 to Rs168,500 and Rs198,500, respectively.

    The price of the Honda CB125F has been hiked by Rs9,000 from Rs244,900 to Rs253,900.

    The price of the CB150F has been increased to Rs308,900, while the CB150F (red, black) will be available at Rs312,900 starting June 1.

    Since March 2022, Atlas Honda has increased the price of its motorcycles every month.

    The two-wheel market isn’t the only one seeing price increases; car costs have grown by up to 55 percent in the current fiscal year.

    As per industry experts, the increase in motorbike and automobile prices is primarily due to an increase in foreign raw material prices and an increase in freight costs following Covid-19.

    The automobile industry, particularly due to auto-grade steel and plastic resins, is significantly reliant on imports.

    Furthermore, the sector has a low level of localisation, with the majority of parts being imported. As a result, the rupee’s depreciation has an impact on automobile and motorcycle prices.

  • Honda announces third price hike, Honda 125 is now priced at Rs163,500

    Honda announces third price hike, Honda 125 is now priced at Rs163,500

    Pakistan’s top two-wheeler manufacturer, Atlas Honda has announced another significant price hike for its motorcycles which is Honda’s third price increase in less than five months.

    Honda CD70, the country’s most popular two-wheeler, is now priced at Rs102,900, after an increase of Rs3000. The 100cc Honda Pridor following the increase will be sold for 139,000 after an increase of Rs3000 in its old price of Rs136,900, while the iconic Honda 125 is now priced at Rs163,500 after a hike of Rs4000 in its prior cost.

    The price of the Honda CB 150 SE increased by Rs8,000, bringing the total price to Rs303,900, up from Rs295,900 previously.

    Pakistan’s two-wheeler industry has achieved over 90 per cent localization, according to the Ministry of Industries and Production’s (MOIP) latest report. This means that the majority of a motorbike’s structural and mechanical components are manufactured in Pakistan, with only a few foreign parts.

    Read more: Honda Atlas announces price hike instead of fixing delivery issues

    Despite this, all companies continue to raise their bike pricing without introducing or incorporating any advancement, putting them out of reach for the majority of local consumers.

  • Islamabad Traffic Police issues more than 28,000 challans to careless drivers

    During the last three months, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) handed 28,224 fine tickets to motorists who were negligent on the roads.

    As per Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic, Rai Mazhar Iqbal, special squads have been formed on the directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Muhammad Ahsan Younas to deal with reckless drivers who endanger the lives of road users.

    He also instructed the officials that road users should be treated with respect.

    SSP Iqbal stated that all city personnel have been urged to take stern action against such offenders and to assure that the city’s roads are secure.

    Furthermore, he revealed that the ITP education wing has been directed to ensure renewed efforts in a bid to raise public awareness regarding traffic rules.

    Several students have joined ITP as traffic volunteers, therefore he directed ITP’s teams to visit educational institutions to build traffic sense among more students.

    According to the SSP Traffic, the goal of conducting action against irresponsible drivers is to safeguard their personal safety as well as the safety of others.