Hero Motocorp launches XPULSE 200

The world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp today launched its highly popular premium motorcycle - XPulse 200 in a strong reaffirmation of its aggressive premium product strategy for the Nepal market.
Introducing a new 200cc adventure biking segment, the distinctly characterised XPulse 200 is now available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across all major cities in the country, according to a press note issued by the company.
The XPulse 200 has been attractively priced at Rs 385,000, ex-showroom Kathmandu.
Earlier this month, Hero MotoCorp had launched two new premium motorcycles – the XPulse 200T and Xtreme 200S – and coming close on the heels of these two bikes, the XPulse 200 has been introduced in Nepal within just a few months of its India launch. “It showcases the company’s strong commitment to bringing its top-of-the-range products, with modern design and superior technology, for its customers in Nepal,” the press note reads, adding that XPulse 200 has already become the best-selling adventure bike in India and has received very positive initial feedback from global markets like Latin America as well within just a few months of its launch. “With these three new premium motorcycles Hero MotoCorp now aims to aggressively grow its presence in the premium motorcycle category in Nepal.”
Commenting on the launch head at the Global Business, Strategy and Performance Transformation, Hero MotoCorp Rajat Bhargava said that Nepal is an important market in the global growth strategy. “With the launch of our new premium motorcycles here, we are confident of appealing to a new customer group,” he said, adding that the XPulse 200 is the perfect companion for customers, who want to explore more and go beyond the conventional. “We are confident of expanding our presence in the market with our diverse and well-rounded product portfolio.”
The XPulse200 has been designed and developed at Hero MotoCorp’s world-class R&D centre, the ‘Centre of Innovation and Technology’ (CIT) in the northern Indian city of Jaipur, it adds.
Hero MotoCorp’s comprehensive product range in the country, consisting of a wide portfolio, from entry-level to premium two-wheelers now comprises of XPulse Twins (XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T), Xtreme range (Xtreme 200S, Xtreme 200R and Xtreme Sports), Splendor range (Super Splendor, Splendor iSmart 110 and Splendor+), Achiever, Glamour and HF Deluxe motorcycles. “In addition to the motorcycles, the company has an exciting scooter range, including Destini 125, Maestro Edge, Pleasure, Pleasure+ and Duet.”
Hero MotoCorp forayed into Nepal in 2010 with Nepal General Marketing Pvt Ltd (NGM) as its exclusive distributor in the country. The company caters to its customers through a fast-growing network of over 250 touch-points, including 72 dealerships, 82 service centers and more than 100 spare part outlets.
Nepal’s first 200cc adventure motorcycle – a dynamic, on-road-off-road bike – is targeted at the young and thrill-seeking riding enthusiasts who are scouting for a comfortable and capable riding companion for adventure excursions.
“The XPulse 200 comes with two variants of 200cc engine - CV Carburetor - delivering 18.4 PS Power and 17.1 Nm Torque for a real-world performance,” the note reads, adding that the XPulse 200 is available in three colours, including Pearl Fadeless White, Sports Red and Black.

Danuwar wins top US honour

Sunita Danuwar from Nepal is among the ten activists working against human trafficking selected by the US Department of State for 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) honour’s list.
Danuwar – the co-founder and executive director of the anti-trafficking NGO Shakti Samuha –  works to elevate survivors’ perspectives and raises awareness about human trafficking in poor and rural communities.
Issuing a press note today, the US Embassy in Kathmandu congratulated Danuwar for her efforts in the face of serious challenges to protect victims, punish traffickers, and raise awareness on human trafficking.
The US Embassy in Kathmandu also said that Danuwar was recognised for her commitment to providing services to survivors and at-risk communities across Nepal. “The report assesses governments around the world on their efforts to combat modern slavery and presents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of trafficking in persons," the press note reads.
US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo joined the advisor to the President Ivanka Trump to release the US Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2018 in Washington, DC. During the ceremony, secretary Pompeo also honoured the State Department’s 2018 TIP Heroes including Sunita Danuwar.
Danuwar is one of the only 10 anti-trafficking TIP Heroes selected from around the world to receive the international honour, which celebrates the work and achievements of exceptional individuals, who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking. Danuwar was recognised for her commitment to providing services to survivors and at-risk communities across Nepal.
"Modern slavery has no place in the world, and I intend to ensure, through diplomatic engagement and increased action, that the US government’s leadership in combating this global threat is sustained in the years to come," said secretary Pompeo speaking on the occasion.
The report assesses governments around the world on their efforts to combat modern slavery and presents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of trafficking in persons. This year’s report also focuses on the effective ways local communities can address human trafficking proactively and on how national governments can support and empower them.
The report also recognises that Nepal has made progress to eliminate human trafficking through increased efforts to prevent it, as well as modest improvements in law enforcement and victim protection efforts.
It has recommendaed for improvements that Nepal can make to meet the minimum international standards for the elimination of trafficking. The recommendations include acceding to the 2000 UN TIP Protocol, which would send a strong signal of Nepal’s continued commitment to fighting human trafficking. The UN TIP Protocol – also known as one of the Palermo Protocols – has already been ratified by 173 countries.
The US Embassy in Kathmandu is committed to continue its support to Nepal government and people of Nepal in their efforts to combat trafficking in persons, the statement further reads.