EXCLUSIVE: Hero Trademarks Connect & Freedo Brand Names

The Connect is likely to be an electric scooter whereas the Freedo could be a 125cc scooter

• Both the trademarks have already been approved by the Indian Government.
• Expect Hero to launch at least one of the two by the end of the year.
• Both scooters might get competitive price tags.

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Hero has trademarked two names, ‘Connect’ and ‘Freedo,’ and the Indian Government has approved both of them. Interestingly, the Connect has been applied by Hero InvestCorp, whose Director is Pawan Munjal. Munjal is also the Managing Director and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, which has trademarked the name ‘Freedo.’ So technically, one could say both the names have been trademarked by the same brand, Hero MotoCorp.

Of the two, Connect was applied on December 13, 2019, whereas Freedo was applied on October 19 last year. Both the trademarks have been marked under a common class for both motorcycles and scooters.

That said, it is likely that both the trademarks are for scooters. Going by the name, Connect could be the moniker for an electric scooter. Since Ather Energy is backed by Hero MotoCorp, it might borrow a few learnings from the Bengaluru-based startup for its upcoming electric scooter. Consequently, this electric scooter could come with smartphone connectivity similar to the Ather 450. It is expected to pack a lithium-ion battery too. However, it remains to be seen whether it would come with swappable battery technology. 

Also Read: 5 Most Affordable BS6-compliant Two-wheelers In India

Hero might want to strike a balance between features and affordability, so expect the brand to launch the scooter at around Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom), directly rivalling the upcoming Bajaj Chetak electric, which is also expected to be priced at around the same ballpark. When launched, it will be the first electric scooter under Hero MotoCorp. 

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On the other hand, Freedo could be the name for a 125cc scooter. The BS6 emission norms will push the baseline prices of all two-wheelers and the prices of the 110cc scooters might get too close to the existing 125cc models. So it would make better business sense for Hero to launch a 125cc scooter at a similar price point instead. Yamaha has followed this strategy with the launch of the Fascino 125 Fi. The upcoming scooter is expected to be priced around Rs 70,000 (ex-showroom). Apart from the Fascino 125 Fi, the Freedo will primarily rival the Honda Activa 125 BS6.

As far as the launch details are concerned, Hero could bring the two scooters out by the end of this year. If we’re lucky, Hero might unveil a prototype of at least the electric scooter at the 2020 EICMA in Milan, Italy. Stay tuned for more updates!