Hero Motocrop will Launch its Own Two Wheeler Range Ahead of the Schedule

Hero Motocrop formerly known as Hero Honda will launch its own two wheelers range before the year 2014, according to Business standard news. Hero Honda, the joint venture between Hero group and Honda Motor Corporation of Japan ended in August 2011. However, Hero Motocorp. owned by Hero group still has right to use Honda name and technology till the year 2014. The company also has right to source few new products from Honda under new licensing agreement.

However, as the company has to go its own after 2014, it has already started developing its own research and development facilities and tied up with technology providers globally. The company currently owns around 45% in Indian two wheeler market and aims to sale 10 million units of two wheelers annually down the line five years. It also aims to export 1 million units out of these 10 million units down the line five years.

Anil Dua, senior vice-president (marketing and sales), Hero MotoCorp, said, “We had been scouting for several potential partners globally and have now started work with some of them. There are collaborations in progress. The local R&D team has an interface with the market here. We will put the concept together for all future products and then source the technology required from experts globally for developing synergistic output.”

As mentioned earlier that the licensing agreement will expire in June 2014, the company will have to go its own and Hero Motocorp wants to make itself self sufficient by this time. Hero Motocrop’s top selling model Splendor and Passion uses CD series engine. The right for which is owned by Honda. As HMSI is aiming to make itself number 1 by 2020 in Indian two wheeler market, Hero has to develop its own R&D before this time. However, there is no such definite timeline by which Hero Motocorp. will develop its first two wheeler by its own.

“We have the right to use the Honda brand till June 2014. However, we are not taking a breather. We have already launched our new corporate identity and introduced Impulse, the first product under the Hero brand. We would work faster than has been outlined. The first product developed independently would happen much faster than expected,” Anil Dua added.

It seems that Hero Motocorp. is extensively working on R&D which is a much needed requirement for company to survive in the upcoming days.

Pulsar 135LS is Now Available with Speed Lines

Finally, Bajaj Auto upgraded Pulsar 135LS after such a long time. Pulsar 135LS is the last one in Pulsar family to get speed lines. The first one to get speed lines was Pulsar 220. Speed lines denotes dual color paint job with special effects. The upgrade was much needed since last time Pulsar 135LS was upgraded in July 2010.

The face lifted version of Pulsar 135LS has got new blue-black color theme. Till now Pulsar 135LS was available in two colors only Black and red. The face lifted Pulsar 135LS has got three color schemes, red-black, blue-black and black. Apart from this, Pulsar 135 LS has also got “Golden hue” finished engine case, which looks Royal on Pulsar series. The clip on handle bar and grab rail have got all black paint finish. There are no changes made in engine and chassis department. The most special thing is, you don’t need to pay extra for these upgrades as the price remain unchanged.

With these upgrades, Pulsar 135LS now looks more stylish. It is also evident that Pulsar 135LS will not be replaced in near future.

An Inspirational Video: Pulsar – 10 Years of Leadership

Pulsar completed its 10 years on 24^th November 2011, which is a remarkable achievement for Bajaj Auto. Pulsar is the brand which is ruling India’s performance segment of motorcycle since it’s launched. The brand which has changed the way we look motorcycle. It is the brand which was criticized the most in its initial phase and it is now the brand which is even loved by its critics. So, how the 10 years of leadership has gone? Pulsar – 10 years of Leadership, an inspirational video speaks about this. Hope the Pulsar brand will further revolutionize motorcycling in this decade.

What do you think about this video? Leave your comments…

Yamaha’s Sales Performance for December 2011

2011 is an important year for IYM – India Yamaha Motors as it witnessed great performances in terms of sales. India has always been an important market for the Japanese giant and their strengths on Research & Development is what keeps the company on top when it comes to youth’ preference of owning a bike.

The company also witnessed a northward trend when it comes to the sales figures of its products in the deluxe segment of bikes – FZ series as well as the SZ series. The company strengthened its position in the sub – continent by clocking a whooping sales of 4,60,815 bikes in the year 2011 as compared to 3,50,274 in the year 2010 thereby showing a growth rate of 31.6 per cent over last year.

In the month of December alone, the company managed to sell 44,976 units this year as against 34,839 units in December 2010, thereby registering a growth rate of 29.1 per cent. When it comes to the domestic markets, the sales grew by 25.3 per cent, with 33,290 units in December 2011 vs. 26,567 units sold in the same month last year. The export figures stood at 11,686 units in December 2011 while 8,272 motorcycles were exported in December 2010, a growth of 41.3 per cent.

Speaking on the results, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd., said, “The year 2011 has indeed been an exceptional year for us as we were able to maintain consistency in our overall growth and the results speak for themselves. Our untiring efforts to rev up sales backed by innovative marketing strategies and an impeccable product portfolio across segments have borne much fruit. Our efforts towards enhancing our relationship with our esteemed customers through various initiatives like the Yamaha Safe Riding Science, the R15 One Make Race Championships and the Sales & Service camps have also been very rewarding. We are buoyant about the future and are looking forward to replicate and further improve upon this achievement in 2012 as well.”

The year 2011 also witnessed Yamaha re – establishing its firm footing in the premium segment with the launch of the R15 Version 2.0. This model was an upgraded version of Yamaha’s flagship R15 launched in 2008. Yamaha has been in constant endeavour to increase its foothold across all segments in the Indian market. To maintain its growing trend, the company plans to expand its production capacity to 1 million units next year. Along with this, the company is also planning to invest in product development and network expansion.

IYM presently operates from its state – of – the – art manufacturing facilities at Surajpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh & Faridabad in Haryana and produces motorcycles both for domestic as well as for the export markets. Presently the company’s product portfolio includes VMAX (1,679cc), MT01 (1,670cc), YZF-R1 (998cc), FZ1 (998cc), Fazer (153cc), FZ-S (153cc), FZ (153cc), SZ, SZ-X & SZ-R (153cc), YZF-R15 Version 2.0 (150cc), SS125 (123cc), YBR 125 (123cc), YBR 110 (106cc) and Crux (106cc).

Scooters Expected in 2012

We are going to see many launches for scooter segment this year. Here is the list of the expected scooters for 2012.

HMSI 125cc Scooter

Honda Motor and Scooter India ltd. is all set to launch its 125cc scooter in Auto Expo. However, Honda did not reveal any detail about the scooter yet. As far as engine concern Honda has developed a new 125cc global engine for scooter which is 25% more fuel efficient than conventional scooter. We expect Honda to have same engine on its new 125cc scooter. As far as looks concern we expect HMSI to borrow styling from Honda Vario (Indonesia) or Honda Vision. Both are good looking scooters.

Apart from this we may see a PGM-FI (Programmed fuel injection) on new 125cc scooter. As far as price concern, this scooter will be priced in premium segment. HMSI will launch this new scooter by the end of this year.

Mahindra Duro DZ

Mahindra two wheelers has already launched its upgraded version of Duro christened as Duro DZ has superior and powerful 125cc engine with dual curve digital ignition system. It has got advanced telescopic suspension with long wheelbase and improved braking system. As far as utility concern the company has given largest under seat storage capacity of 20 liter in addition to front storage. Duro is already successful model and with launch of Duro DZ Mahindra will further consolidate its position. The scooter is launched in selected states and will be available pan India in 2012. The scooter is available at ex showroom price of 42,500 in Delhi.

Piaggio Vespa LX125

Piaggio is all set to launch itself in India. This is the third attempt of the company to position itself in Indian two wheeler market. Piaggio will first launch its Vespa brand in India. Vespa is an iconic and well known brand in Europe and India as well. The first scooter that will be launched under Vespa brand is LX125. As name suggest LX125 is powered by 125cc engine which generates maximum power of 10 bhp with maximum torque of 8Nm. The scooter is based upon CVT (Continuous variable transmission). The special thing about LX125 is iconic, elegant and stylish look which will surely catch fancy of youth as well. The company will price it around Rs. 50,000 and will launch in the first quarter of 2012.

Suzuki Scooters

Suzuki Motorcycle India (P) ltd. will launch a new scooter model this year. The company already has Access 125cc. We expect the new model to be in rage of 110 cc as the company has already 125cc scooter for India. As far as there is no such details available how the Suzuki scooter will look like. However, the company has various model in Indonesia such as Nex (113 cc scooter), Hyate 125 and Skydrive Dynamic (125cc). We expect Suzuki to have Nex engine in its next offering for India. Both are good looking scooter and has CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission). We expect Suzuki to launch its new scooter in Auto Expo 2012 and it will be priced against Hero Pleasure and TVS scooty Pep.

Hero Mastero

Hero Mastero is first scooter to be launched under Hero Motocorp brand identity. Mastero is largely based on Honda Avaiator. Hero Mastero will be powered by 109 cc engine which will produce 8 bhp and 9 Nm torque. The scooter will have digital ignition and TCIS which will be termed as Advanced Microprocessor Ignition (AMI) by Hero Motocorp. The scooter will have some unique feature of digital analog combo instrument panel with service indicator with combined braking system. Hero Mastero will be priced competitively and will be positioned against Honda Activa. We expect the launch it in first quarter of 2012.

India Yamaha motors (P) Ltd. scooters

Yamaha is all set to launch its scooter range in India. Yamaha said that it will unveil scooter range in the year 2012. The company will showcase its scooter range in Auto Expo 2012. We have identified some models based upon Yamaha’s current offering in other countries.

Cygnus X

Cygnus X is sold in European market. It has 125cc, 4storke fuel injected powerful scooter which generates maximum power of 8 KW and maximum torque of 9.3 Nm . It’s light weight scooter due to its compact chassis and 12 inch wheels. The special feature includes high performance 216mm front disc brake, stylish console and large under seat storage. The scooter looks cool and stylish head lamp. Comfort wise it has got stylish and comfy seat and telescopic front suspension

Vity

Vity is also sold in European market. Yamaha Vity 2012 is a 125cc, 4 stroke, fuel injected scooter which generates maximum power of 6.4 KW and maximum torque of 9.2 Nm. It is also light weight scooter and has 10 inch wheels. The special thing about this scooter is its value for money scooter. It offers higher fuel efficiency yet acceptable level of performance. It also has 153mm disc brake and large under seat storage. This model has high chances co come India considering its feature and value for money proposition.

Mio

Mio is sold in Indonesia. It has 114 cc, 4 stroke engine which generates maximum power of 6.14 KW and maximum torque of 7.84 NM. This is a simple scooter from Yamaha with a disc brake. However, it has good fuel economy which is trump card in India.

Xeon

Xeon is sold in Indonesia. It has 125cc, 4 stroke engine which generates maximum power of 8.05KW and maximum torque of 10.10 NM. Its powerful and stylish scooter offered by Yamaha in Indonesia. The scooter has disc brake and CVT transmission. It has telescopic front suspension and comfy seat for rider’s comfort.

TVS Motors Electric Scooters

TVS Motors did not have any plan to launch new scooter currently. However, it will showcase its Electric scooters range in the Auto Expo 2012. The company will launch its electric scooters range throughout the year 2012. The first one is Scooty Hybrid. These scooters will have an electric motor with the conventional engine in these electric scooters which a rider can utilize for the short trip. These electric scooters will be priced competitively since the previous rolls out of these scooters were not successful.

Yamaha Motors to Expand Production Capacity in 2012

Hi Readers! To start with here is wishing all the readers a very happy and prosperous new year. Now for the news; two wheeler maker Yamaha Motors is aiming to expand its production capacity in 2012. Yamaha announced on Saturday that they are planning to expand their production capacity to as much as one million units in 2012 (guess this is not their New Year’s resolution which eventually gets stale by timeJ). All in all, Yamaha India is aiming to sky rocket their production capacity to a million units by the end of 2012.

Yamaha Motors was silent about the investment part but they said that the sales figures have really improved. The company said that the sales for the past month stood at 44976 units (domestic- 33290 and exports- 11686) as against 34896 units (domestic 26567 and exports 8272 units) in the same period of 2010. The last month witnessed a 29% growth in sales figures. Yamaha has decided to continue with their plans of increasing production capacity because the aims at attaining the top spot in the Indian two wheeler market. Earlier in November 2011, Mr. Suzuki (CEO, Yamaha Motors) said that the company was in a severe condition and would break even by 2013 as they are planning to increase their production capacity. Keeping in mind the great demand for Yamaha products, Suzuki said that the company aims to sell at least 10 lakh vehicles in domestic market by 2014.

Yamaha motors did not reveal either the investment required or their plan as to how are they going to achieve their goal of producing as much as a million units. All in all, we can just assume that Yamaha is still planning and the true picture as to the execution of this humongous task will come out a bit later. We hope and pray that Yamaha gets what they wish for in this new year of success. Finally I would like to wish each one of the Bike Advice readers a “Very Happy New Year” and all the “Success”.

Coming Soon: Review of Polaris ATVs

Hi Readers. We are looking at a brand new year ahead of us at BikeAdvice, 2011 was one full year of feeding you with all the best of the happenings, news and reviews of all that happened not just in India but across the globe as well. We’ve had our authors working committed to bring all updates live onto your screens.

As you all know, we’ve always either been first of one among the first to bring in the review of bikes at the least possible time and our review of R15 V2.0 is still a standing example for it. This time, we took a giant leap forward. Guess what? Our Author Naren has reviewed two models of Polaris Off-Roading machines along with our photographer Sharat Aryan.

Polaris was launched very recently in India and we grasped the opportunity even before it knocked our doors. Our test was carried out on a proper off-roading track which was exclusively set up for this. Naren has good experience when it comes to handling these ATVs as he is pretty used to it in his past.

As of now, we share a few of out pics clicked while carrying out the (off) road test. Naren is working on the report and it’ll be out after the auto expo is over. Stay tuned to stay updated.