Chennai based auto major, TVS Motor Company, announced that it would launch four new two-wheeler models this year.
The game plan is to launch two motorcycles in the executive segment and two scooters so that it can topple Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India from its recently acquired third position in the two-wheeler market, as TVS has slipped to forth position.
The first to enter India will be Qube, a hybrid scooter, in June 2012, which the company had displayed in the last two Auto Expos. Initially TVS would like to see the response the hybrid scooter gets and would introduce just 200 scooters before its commercial launch in 2013. The Qube has two sources of power, including a 100cc four-stroke engine and an electric hub motor. The rider has the option to choose from a range of modes, depending on his or her requirement. This hybrid system charges the lithium ion battery when the brakes are applied and utilizes this power whenever required. Something like the KERS used in Formula One cars. In addition, it also has a stop-start hybrid which would further saves fuel. One has the option of using the electric only mode for short trips and, obviously, the engine only mode is present as well.
According to TVS the Qube delivers significant emission reduction and improved fuel economy in city traffic driving with 35 % reduction in CO2 emission, 30% HC + NOx reduction and an increase of 35% in fuel economy. The company claims a fuel economy of around 70kpl in typical city riding conditions.
TVS will also introduce a brand new motorcycle model in the entry level 125-cc segment with 4-speed gear box in June 2012. Apart from this, the Victor model with be re-introduced along with a new a 125cc scooter in December 2012.
These models will hopefully fetch bigger numbers for TVS, but we would have liked to see the upgraded Apache range also mentioned in the announcement. Enthusiasts calling TVS.
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