New Bike Launches in India

Garware Motors and S&T Motors denies Hyosung buyout

A few weeks back, the rumour mill was buzzing with news about the Hero Group and Mahindra 2’Wheelers looking to buy out Korea-based S&T Motors Co Ltd., parent company of Hyosung, manufacturers of the Comet 250, GT650R and ST7 motorcycles. However, Garware Motors have sent us a press release wherein they have made it clear that there are no ongoing negotiations between S&T Motors and any Indian manufactuer, Hero and Mahindra included, on this matter. For those outside the loop, Garware Motors and Hyosung have an ongoing aggrement wherein the former is to exclusively assemble motorcycles under the Hyosung brand name and market them in India. The agreement still holds firm and Garware will continue selling the GT650R sportsbike and ST7 cruiser in India.

We hope they stick together and launch the 250-cc bike in India as well.

Words: Saeed Akhtar

Cricketer Virat Kohli to be company’s new face

TVS Motor Company has signed cricketer Virat Kohli as the brand ambassador for their all new TVS Sport motorcycle. The cricketer will feature on all advertising and retail material related to TVS Sport. As per the official statement issued by H. S. Goindi, President Marketing, TVS Motor Company, “Virat Kohli is known for making distinctive style statements, whether on or off the field and represents the aspirations of many a young Indian. Virat is a perfect fit to the brand.”Especially with the ongoing World Cup fever running through the entire country’s veins, such an announcement would grab some additional eye-balls for the company.

Words: Gasha Aeri

The US based-bike manufacturing company planning to enter Indian market by next year

Victory Motorcycles, US-based company is looking forward to participate in next year’s Delhi Auto Expo and maybe enter Indian market in second half of next year, depending on the response they get at the Expo. Following the success of Harley Davidson, which sold on an average more than 2 units every three days this calender year, Victory Motorcycles, manufacturing luxury touring bikes, classic-styled motorcycles and inter-state cruisers, is keen on entering the growing motorcycle market here. The company is aiming to introduce models that would be best suitable for Indian riding conditions and roads. Harley managing to get its costs as low as Rs 5.5 lakh for their basic model, Victory Motorcycles will face tough competition as their price range is between Rs 5.68 lakh and Rs 12.73 lakh internationally. With Indian government’s high import duties the price of these bikes will effectively be doubled since they will be imported as CBU’s.  The Indian bike enthusiast will have to wait and watch out for next year’s Auto Expo and hope, that just maybe the import duty rates are relaxed a bit.

Words: Raymond Raj

Hero and Mahindra both looking to buy Hyosung

Like a perfectly set up deck of Dominoes, a string of the world’s foremost automotive brands has toppled before the Indian juggernaut in the last few years. And now, it seems like the latest two-wheeler manufacturer which is set to join the Indian bandwagon is Hyosung Motors. Bike India has just got hold of some inside-industry news which states that the Hero Group and the newly formed Mahindra 2 Wheelers are in negotiations to take over the Korean brand. Both the Indian conglomerates involved in this deal has got the money needed for such an enormous takeover but not the technology – Hero recently ended its twenty six year long association with Honda – and could benefit greatly if the deal comes through. Hyosung already has a sizable brand recall value in India, courtesy of its Comet 250 streetfighter and Aquila 250 cruiser that Kinetic brought here almost a decade back. More recently, it tied up with Garware Motors to launch the GT650 sportspike and ST7 cruiser in India.

Trust Bike India to keep you posted on further developments in this ongoing deal. For our full review on the GT650 sportsbike, pick up the March 2011 issue of Bike India magazine, on stands now.

Words: Saeed Akhtar