Two-wheelers

Share Prices
 

Sales and Market Share
 

Source: Auto News Bulletin May 18 – May 24, 2007 by Murad Baig Associates

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77. Bike, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Sales Continue To Dip – February 09

January 2008 registered a 14% decline in the sales of motorcycles

According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), motorcycles sales fell by 14% in January 2008, as compared to January 2007. While Hero Honda at 2,80,663 units posted a 2% decline in sales, Bajaj registered a 21% decline (1,34,704 units). TVS also witnessed a 56% decrease in domestic sales at 27,697 units. The decline in the motorcycle market has been attributed to banks’ reluctance to provide credit on account of high default rates and stricter guidelines on recovery imposed by the RBI. 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

78. Motorbike Stores Plan Lifestyle Add-Ons To Boost Brand Value – January 19

Two-wheeler companies focus on the booming retail sector to target premium bike lovers

Two-wheeler companies are focusing on the booming retail sector and are planning to open company-owned stores in malls or upmarket shopping centres. In addition to bikes, the companies plan to offer apparel, gaming zones, Internet lounges and cafés through these stores. While Bajaj Auto has already launched its pro-biking showrooms, Yamaha Motor India opened its first lifestyle ‘Bike Station’. Bike makers such as Suzuki and Royal Enfield are also considering similar boutiques/branded stores to cater to premium bike lovers.

Source: The Financial Express

Product Launches

79. Yamaha Launches New 125cc Sports Bike and Lifestyle Store Bike Station – January-February  

On 14 February 2008, motorcycle company Yamaha unveiled its new sports bike ‘Gladiator’ Type SS and Type RS, priced at Rs 46,350 onwards (ex-showroom) in the 125 cc segment.

On 18 January 2008, Japanese company Yamaha has launched a company-owned lifestyle store, Bike Station, in New Delhi. The store will offer a ‘complete biking lifestyle’ experience. By the end of 2008, the company plans to open 10 such stores in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Lucknow.

80. Hyderabad Company Launches New Electric Two-wheeler – January 24

On 23 January, 2008, Hyderabad-based CAL-ON Motors launched a battery-powered two-wheeler, Elektra 2.5, in the sub-0.25 kw category. The bike would run with a maximum power of 240 watts on a 12vX 4 batteries that need recharging after every 70 km.

81. Global Automobiles Launches 150cc Scooter – January 31

On 31 January, 2008, Global Automobiles, a part of the Kolkata-based Xenitis group, launched a 150 cc scooter called UFO0150, priced at Rs 34,990. The company also announced the national launch of its 100 cc Rock100, which is priced at Rs 19,990 and has already been launched in Kolkata.

82. TVS Motor Launches Electric Scooter – February 14

On 13 February 2008, two-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motors (TVS-M) launched its electric scooter, Scooty Teenz Electric, in Ahmedabad. Priced at Rs 32,500 (ex-showroom), the electric scooter has been claimed to provide 15-20% savings compared to a petrol-run scooter.