Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Hero Splendor Pro Classic

Hero MotoCorp unveiled two new 100 cc bikes, Yamaha launched a new scooter and Vespa announced it will soon launch Vespa S at the ongoing Auto Expo 2014.

Country's largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp today unveiled two new 100cc bikes -- Splendor Pro Classic and Passion TR -- which will hit the Indian markets in next two months.

Besides, the company also showcased a 620 cc super premium motorbike 'Hastur' and two concept bikes 'SimplEcity' and 'iON'.

"The two bikes (Splendor and Passion) are ready to be launched commercially. Hastur, which will mark our foray into the superbike segment, needs more research before launch," Hero MotoCorp Managing Director and CEO Pawan Munjal told reporters here.

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Hero Passion TR

Talking about the concept bikes, Munjal said, "They are destined for the future."

He added that the market has been slow but the company has done well and posted growth.

"By the second half of this calender year, growth should be back," Munjal said.

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Hero Splendor Pro Classic

Last week, the company had unveiled a 150 cc diesel concept scooter and four other models, including a hybrid scooter.

Barring the 150 cc diesel model RNT, the company plans to launch all other four models in the next fiscal.

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Vespa S

Piaggio to launch new premium category scooter

Buoyed by good response to its Vespa brand of scooters in India, Italian two-wheeler maker Piaggio is planning to launch a new scooter in the country soon.

"The 'Vespa S' is the next model in the premium category.

It will be launched in the next few weeks," Piaggio Vehicles Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Chopra said here at the 12th Auto Expo.

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Vespa S

Besides, the company showcased an automobile product which reflects its "innovative capabilities" of research and development.

"This product has unique qualities such as low carbon emission (70 gm per kilometre)," he added. However, he did not reveal about its usage. 

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Vespa S

The company is present in India through a wholly-owned subsidiary-Piaggio Vehicles. It launched the first Vespa model in 2012 in the country.

The company's Indian arm, Piaggio Vehicles Private Ltd (India), has a manufacturing unit in Baramati, Maharashtra.

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Yamaha Alpha

Yamaha launches new scooter, aims to sell 2 lakh units

With an aim to achieve the sales target of 6 lakh two-wheelers in the country, Japanese major Yamaha today launched a new variant of scooter worth Rs 49,518 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The company aims to sell 2 lakh units of the newly launched scooter 'Alpha' per year in the country. The product is mainly targeted for family usage.

The 4-stroke 113cc engine scooter is manufactured in its Surajpur plant. The company claimed that the vehicle will give a mileage of 62 km per litre. It will be available in five colours including magenta.

"Overall, 2013 has been a fruitful year for the company as it witnessed a 33 per cent growth rate despite a sluggish market.

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Yamaha Alpha

In the domestic market, the company sold 4.6 lakh units last year and this year we are aiming to sell 6 lakh units (both bikes and scooter) and in order to achieve this aim we are launching the scooter -- Alpha today," Yamaha Motor President and CEO Hiroyuki Yanagi told reporters here at the 12 Auto Auto Expo.

He said that huge potential exists in India for the scooter market and "we expect it to reach 3.6 million units in 2014".

"India has a crucial role to play in our global Yamaha group and this year our focus is on three important strategies -- introduction of new models; intensifying sales and marketing capabilities, and after sales services; expanding market to untouched regions that includes rural India where the company has low presence," he added.

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

Auto Expo 2014: Hot new bikes make a splash

February 05, 2014 16:06 IST
Yamaha Alpha

On growth in rural areas, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd Vice President (sales and marketing) Roy Kurian said that although the product is mainly sold in urban areas, the company is getting a gradual response in sub-urban regions.

Kurian said that scooter sales are expected to register a growth of about 12-15 per cent per annum in the country.

Yamaha has already invested Rs 1,500 crore in its new plants which will operational by end of this year.

Auto Expo 2014: Complete Coverage

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.