New Bike Launches in India

The Korean company splits up with Garware Motors

This news might come as a blessing in disguise to Hyosung fans. Garware Motors has sold its stake in Hyosung JV to the DSK Group, a prominent real estate developers also known for their Toyota dealerships in Maharashtra. Company insiders have revealed that Sachin Kulkarni, son of D.K. Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Group, will be holding the reins of the new partnership.

This foray by DSK in the Indian two wheeler market, will be quite interesting to watch, given their vast experience in the automotive industry and significant capital that the company can invest in this partnership. We feel that they can make a big difference by restructuring the pricing strategy, especially since the company is about to launch the new GT250R this month. Currently, the company’s two-wheeler line-up includes the GT650R, GT650N and ST7 in India which are priced between Rs 5-7 lakh bracket.

The reason for Garware Motors selling its stake in Hyosung Indian operations is not yet known officially, with various speculations making the rounds. The official statement is expected to be released tomorrow.

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.