Named as ‘Freedo’, the company has filed a trademark application for the same to the concerned authorities. At this point, the exact details of the upcoming Freedo, including its segment, remain unknown. The name Freedo is believed to be a short for the word freedom.
Various reports point out that it could be a premium electric scooter. to take on the likes of Ather Energy, which is easily the best electric two-wheeler brand on the market despite limited to only a few cities in the country. Furthermore, one of the brand’s primary rivals, Bajaj Auto is readying to revive the iconic ‘Chetak’ name in a full-electric avatar.
It is also to be noted that Hero MotoCorp had showcased an all electric scooter at the 2016 Auto Expo. This was the Duet all electric scooter concept. It is possible that Hero Freedo is the production version name of their electric scooter concept which was showcased 4 years ago. It is also possible that Freedo could be name of Hero’s upcoming petrol powered scooter or motorcycle.
Hero MotoCorp currently sells six scooters in the country: Pleasure, Duet, Pleasure+, Maestro Edge, Destini 125 and Maestro Edge 125. Coming to the motorcycle segment, the company sells 15 models which mainly comprises of commuters alongside the likes of a few sportier choices and an entry-level adventure motorcycle.
Even though Hero MotoCorp’s commuter portfolio is quite overwhelming, adding another model will only benefit the sales chart since the company has always been, and always will be, focused on making budget motorcycles. The title of being ‘the world’s largest motorcycle maker’ was attained only through mass-volume sales of commuters. Plus, doesn’t “Freedo” oddly associate with a commuter!
Keeping in mind that it is way too early to reach a definite conclusion, the upcoming Hero Freedo would most likely be an electric scooter. We would be able to know the real story in the months to come.
Hero MotoCorp had already announced that it would be skipping Auto Expo 2020, which is the biggest biennial automotive showcase and exhibition event in the country. A lot of manufacturers have decided to step away from the show for multiple reasons, but Hero MotoCorp being India’s No 1 two wheeler company, was not expected to do the same. Otherwise, the Hero Freedo would have been at the venue as one of the brand’s main highlights.
