Ather Energy has partnered with online two-wheeler marketplace CredR to enable a two-wheeler exchange programme. Interested buyers can take their petrol-powered two-wheelers to an Ather Space, where an instant price estimate will be generated through the application powered by CredR. The exchange price will then be adjusted against the final cost of the new Ather scooter.
Ather tells us that this exchange scheme is applicable on all petrol-powered two-wheelers and that CredR will verify the documents and the health of the old two-wheeler. At present, the programme is applicable only in Bengaluru and Chennai, but it will be available across India as experience centres open in more cities.
Speaking of which, Ather’s expansion plans continue to more or less be on track for 2020. The company still intends to open dealerships in eight cities by the end of the year and Hyderabad is likely to be the next city. However, places like Delhi, Mumbai and Pune will probably see some delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s under-construction 4,00,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Hosur is also set to open later this year.
Ather plans to retail two products once it expands to more cities - namely the top-end 450X and the slightly lower-spec 450 Plus. Interestingly, the original Ather 450 continues to be on sale in Bengaluru and Chennai, with bookings to remain open for another two to three months.
Ather also recently partnered with scooter rental platform Bounce, to enable new Ather 450 owners to monetise the idle time of their vehicle by listing it on the Bounce App.