Hello,

Hope this newsletter finds you brimming with curiosity and inspiration.

Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp recently launched the Harley-Davidson X440, their first premium motorcycle under their licensing agreement.

This X440 has a 440cc oil-cooled long-stroke engine that's BSVI and E20 compliant and was built at Hero's Neemrana factory in Rajasthan. Among its features are a steel trellis frame, 43mm USD fork, twin shocks, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and 320mm front brakes. There's a Denim, Vivid, and Xs440, the latter having machined engine cooling fins and Bluetooth connectivity. At Rs 2.29 lakh, it's the same price as the upcoming Bajaj-Triumph scrambler.

We have reservations about this bike, though.

• Known as "Hogs", Harley-Davidson's motorcycles represent freedom and the open road, so they're deeply rooted in their image. Besides being vehicles, these motorcycles are lifestyle symbols, cherished for their distinctive design, powerful sound, and raw horsepower.
• The X440, a smaller, more accessible motorcycle, might attract new customers, but it could alienate Harley-Davidson's core customer base, who like classic, high-capacity cruisers.
• It's also a bad idea for Harley-Davidson to partner with Hero MotoCorp, which sells mass-market, commuter-friendly motorcycles. Despite the strategic benefits of leveraging Hero's extensive network and knowledge of the Indian market, the collaboration might disconcert Harley-Davidson purists and loyalists.
• Harley-Davidson's success with the X440 may hinge on its ability to balance its iconic image with its new direction, convincing its existing customers that the X440 still embodies the brand's spirit while enticing new customers.

What's your take? We'd love to hear from you.

What's Brewing at Mantra?

This week at Mantra Academy, we're brimming with pride and excitement as we share the inspiring journey of our students' remarkable achievements on an international platform.

Three of our students - Pushkar, Shashaank, and Varaprasad - emerged victorious, clinching the prestigious Judge’s Award at the Movin'On Design Challenge by Michelin. Their triumph speaks volumes about perseverance, passion, and a robust educational framework.

Their journey stands as a shining beacon of what mentorship combined with personal dedication can achieve. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we also eagerly anticipate the future.

In closing, this week's story is a testament to our students' relentless efforts, their mentors' guidance, and the enriching environment at Mantra Academy. Here's to the journey ahead!

Is there someone in your life with a burning passion for automotive design, yet unsure of how to turn it into a rewarding career?

Give them a nudge in the right direction by sharing our upcoming course enrollment details. Ignite their future by clicking and sharing the link below.

Automotive Design and Research course from Mantra Academy, Bangalore

Until next week, keep exploring and stay curious!