[dZired]

TVS Motors has filed a Civil Suit in the Madras High Court, over Bajaj Auto's current advertisement campaign that compares the Bajaj CT100 with the TVS XL100. TVS claims that the advertisement showcases false fuel economy figures, in order to 'disparage' their product, the XL100. The Madras HC has asked Bajaj Auto to stop running the said advertisement campaign for two weeks.

The case was filed around nine days ago, after Bajaj Auto dealers in Tamil Nadu circulated advertisements that compared fuel economy of the CT100 and that of the XL100. These advertisements claim that the TVS XL100 gives a fuel economy figure which is less than 50% of what the Bajaj CT100 extracts. TVS complained to the court that Bajaj has inflated fuel economy figures of their bike. The HC has sought a reply from Bajaj within the next two weeks.

The High Court has further made it clear that a manufacturer may slightly 'puff' its products through advertisements, but they should never denigrate competitive products. The court also said that comparative advertisements can be run as long as they do not attain negative overtones.

Interestingly, TVS and Bajaj have had a bittersweet relationship ever since Bajaj dragged TVS to court in 2008, alleging that the latter had copied its DTSi technology in its bikes. That particular case ended in TVS' favour in 2009.

Link to Team-BHP News

[PNTLovesNano]

That particular case ended in TVS' favour in 2009.

Lol! It is really surprising that one would be so dumb as to compare a bike with a moped. Imagine an Grand i10 mileage comparison with Tata Nano! This case is also set to go in TVS favor. On the other hand, it seems a comparison setup at the dealer level.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by PNTLovesNano

On the other hand, it seems a comparison setup at the dealer level.

If they go after the dealer, there'll be hundreds of them to chase up.

However, the dealer is an authorised representative of the manufacturer. Thus, suing the manufacturer is a simpler way of stopping dealerships from placing misleading ads.

[Viju]

Originally Posted by PNTLovesNano

Lol! It is really surprising that one would be so dumb as to compare a bike with a moped.

Not really. TVS XL is one of the top-selling two wheelers in Tamilnadu, especially smaller towns and villages. This is the first time that TVS came up with a 4 stroke, 100cc version and there are 5 different variants of this little step-through (it cannot really be called a 'moped' since it does not have pedals anymore).

The XL 100 costs 29,900/- where as the CT100B goes for 32,500/-. For someone who was planning to buy a CT100B, suddenly, TVS has given a cheaper, more practical option with the same engine specs (100cc, 4 stroke with excellent fuel efficiency) plus an automatic transmission. The XL can be used by saree-clad women, and also for carrying loads like hay.

XL is down on power compared to the CT100B (4.2PS vs 8.2PS), but makes up with good low-down torque (6.5Nm @ 3500 rpm vs 8 Nm @ 4500 rpm) and is a good 30 kilos lighter.

Probably, the dealers felt the heat and started this campaign. Anyway, TVS is sure to win this one as well, though Bajaj did manage to kill off the Flame 125 last time around (although they lost the case).

[svsantosh]

If I may be sarcastic, why do people even pit their (same level) products against the TVS XL specifically inside TN market! What a waste of time. (If you are able to get the drift)

[Gansan]

Mileage claims apart, the CT 100 or any other bike can't be compared to the mopeds, which are a niche segment. The load carrying capacity of the erstwhile TVS XL, XT etc was phenomenal. I have seen petty shop owners carrying their entire week's stock on a moped. Literally.

There is a joke that one can shift house using a TVS XL alone!

[nkrishnap]

Originally Posted by Gansan

Mileage claims apart, the CT 100 or any other bike can't be compared to the mopeds, which are a niche segment. The load carrying capacity of the erstwhile TVS XL, XT etc was phenomenal. I have seen petty shop owners carrying their entire week's stock on a moped. Literally.

There is a joke that one can shift house using a TVS XL alone!

Absolutely. The little moped can carry a lot of load which the regular bikes wont fare well, thanks to the moped chassis designed to carry load. But with the load, its awfully slow on the open roads.

PS: Actual real use mileage fall way short of claimed numbers. Bajaj surely falls short a little more than the others (TVS, Honda, Hero). Just ride the CT100, discover and other iterations. Its got such a bad clutch it makes slow progress couple with truck like clanks when you shift gears.