New Bike Launches in India

The Japanese subsidiary reveals plans to launch the cheapest motorcycle ever

In an exclusive chat with Bike India, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd stated that the company is planning to develop one of India’s cheapest motorcycles, is to be priced at under Rs.28,000 (USD $500) for India and other developing markets. The bike would be produced in India which is also going to be its base for exports. The move comes barely a week after its arch rival Honda launched its cheapest bike yet in India, the Dream Yuga. At present, Yamaha’s cheapest bike is the 110cc Crux priced at Rs 40,800 (OTR, Pune), which is also sold in India and China. The new bike will take on the likes of the Hero MotoCorp CD Dawn and Bajaj Platina and Boxer.

Mr. Suzuki stated, “We are considering a new low cost export model priced at 30,000 INR for the African market. This we feel is a viable price as the African market demands a product which not just performs well but is also competitively priced. We are working towards delivering such product.”

Look’s like there is a new battle ground which is going to act as the king maker in the Indian two-wheeler segment. Even with the likes of 1000cc, 600cc and 250cc bikes showcasing their presence in the market, it’s the commuter bike masses that are deciding the fates of the firms’ success in the market.

Yamaha YZF-R15 wins India Design Council Award 2012

We have always been fans of the Yamaha R15’s razor-sharp styling, reminiscent of its much larger and sportier superbike siblings from the Land of the Rising Sun. Apparently, the India Design Council seems to agree with us, for they have recently bestowed this brilliant little 150cc crotch rocket with the coveted India Design Mark (I Mark) award.

The India Design Council is affiliated with India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry and is made up of eminent people in academia, design and industry organizations. The I Mark awards program was organized with the cooperation of the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, organizers of Japan’s Good Design Award (G Mark). Adopting the same high standards as its Japanese equivalent, the submissions and judging for the first edition of the India Design Mark Awards was completed recently and the winners announced. Of the 71 applicants, 31 were awarded the I Mark, and the Yamaha YZF-R15 was one of four products from three Japan-based companies to receive the coveted award.

The YZF-R15, first unveiled at the 2008 Indian Auto Expo, underwent a model change last year that endowed it an even sportier design. The model’s body design is based directly on Yamaha’s supersport YZF-R series models, with which it shares many of its technologies too, like liquid cooling, Deltabox frame and link-type monoshock suspension at the rear.

The primary purpose of the I Mark award program was to increase design awareness and promote value of design in the industry and society, to raise the demand for good designs from users and manufacturers and improve the overall quality of life by encouraging these designs. Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor said that he was very pleased with this recognition that the YZF-R15 had received.

Valvoline ties up with Kings XI Punjab

Valvoline Cummins Ltd., one of the leading lubricant manufacturers in India, has become the Official Team Partner for the team Kings XI Punjab with captain Adam Gilchrist.

Sandeep Singla AVP Marketing Valvoline Cummins India explains how lubricant manufacturer which focuses on making the engines run smooth got into IPL. “IPL is one of the most vibrant and exciting sporting events in India. Associating with IPL as official team partners helps translate this energy in our business and gives us good mileage through media and helps increase our connect with our Channel partners and Retailers, and OEM clients. Valvoline is into Car racing “Nascar” in US. In India we participate in racing events like – Raide De Himlaya and Maruti Suzuki Dessert storm where we support young drivers achieve their dreams and hone their racing skills. Recently Sarika Sehrawat the driver for Dessert Storm Rally won the Coupe De Dames Trophy also.”

Abhinav Sharma from Valvoline marketing team was seen interacting with the Kings XI Punjab players and congratulating captain Adam Gilchrist and David Muller for the wins.

The eight dealership of India, Bengal Harley-Davidson, is now officially open

A spanking new showroom at Rajarhat, en-route to Kolkata’s international airport, is the new pilgrim spot for Harley-Davidson aficionados of eastern India. Christened as Bengal Harley-Davidson, the inauguration saw Harley-Davidson owners from the region converging at the showroom. Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India, Anoop Prakash along with bike owners rode through the ‘City of Joy’ to make the presence felt. This strategic location of the showroom should open the floodgate for the thirsty bike enthusiasts also from the North East.

The Milwaukee based company already has dealerships in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Hyderabad.

Suzuki plans to make India an export hub

Suzuki Motorcycles India Private Limited recently announced its second plant which will come up in Rohtak, Haryana. The foundation stone laying ceremony was performed by Haryana chief minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda. This new plant will be finished by 2014 and will have an annual capacity of 500,000 units. Suzuki Motorcycles will be further expanding this plant depending on the growth of the Indian market.

Suzuki is also planning to use India as an export hub for its two-wheelers, especially the mass-segment commuters. SMIPL National Head-Marketing, Anu Anamika recently said at the launch of the Hayate mass-segment motorcycle “Yes, this is possible, but I cannot tell you which part of the country this would be located.” Exports to neighbouring countries have already commenced from the Gurgaon plant and this is proposed to be stepped up in future with exports to Southeast Asian countries, too.

The Gurgaon unit, on which a Rs.400-crore investment has been made since the company commenced operations at this unit in 2006, has an annual capacity of 3.6 lakh units (of scooters and motorcycles). This will be ramped up to 5.4 lakh units by 2013-14 when investment would increase to Rs.500 crore, according to Ms. Anamika.