The Hindu Business Line : Honda plans to enter 100 cc segment in 2010

Pune, March 7 Two-wheeler manufacturer Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) will enter the 100 cc motorcycle segment, and expects to launch a product in the 2010-11 fiscal.

Speaking at the launch of its latest scooter in the premium category — the Aviator — in Pune, Mr N.K. Rattan, Divisional Head (Sales and Marketing), HMSI, said, “We believe that sales of 100 cc motorcycles are very strong, and we will enter this segment in 2010-11.”

The assertion comes on the back of strong motorcycle sales during the current fiscal. “Last fiscal, HMSI sold 7.2 lakh two-wheelers including 5.5 lakh scooters. This year, we expect to sell 8.8 lakh units, including 2.8 lakh bikes, which translates into 65 per cent growth in motorbike sales,” Mr Rattan said.

Current offerings

The company presently offers two motorcycle options — the 125 cc Shine and the 150 cc Unicorn — both manufactured at its Gurgaon facility, and selling roughly 17,000 and 9,000 units per month respectively.

The company has also restructured its manufacturing lines, having shifted production of the Aviator to the new line adjoining that where its other scooters — Activa, Dio and Eterno — are manufactured.

It is targeting sales of 1-lakh units of the Aviator during the next fiscal and has plans to launch a new scooter around September 2009.

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