The Hindu Business Line : Bike makers line up 60 new models for launch next year

On the road
Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto and Suzuki Motorcycles will roll out between 8-12 new bikes each
Kinetic, TVS, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, and Yamaha plan to launch between 3-5 each

New Delhi , Dec. 11

As many as 60 new bike models are lined up for launch in the next calendar year by new and existing players alike as they seek to consolidate their position in the fast growing domestic motorcycle market.

According to industry watchers, players such as Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto and Suzuki Motorcycles have firmed up plans to roll out between 8-12 new bikes each, while Kinetic, TVS, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, and Yamaha plan to launch between 3-5 each in 2007.

"Despite being extremely competitive, the bike market will continue to see double-digit growth momentum as there are no absolutely no signs of an impeding slowdown. This could be a reason why such launches have been lined for 2007," Mr Pradeep Saxena, Senior Vice-President, TNS Automotive, said.

Electric bikes

New brands will also be seen in the market next year with Chinese firms firming up launch plans as well as several electric bike makers set to go full throttle.

The Guangzhou Motor Company recently signed a technology partnership pact with Kolkata-based Xenitis Group to launch its bikes in India early next year. Another Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Zongshen Motorcycle Company has tied up with the Salim Group for its two-wheeler project in West Bengal.

"A lot of Chinese bikes (in collaboration with Indian manufacturers) are set to hit the market in 2007. If we take a close look at the Indian market, there are a lot of aspirants waiting to go mobile," Mr Maninder Khurana, Senior Project Director at Synovate Motoresearch, said.

Further, electric bike makers including Hero Group/Ultra Motors and Electrotherm are set to sell their products from next year.

According to analysts, with margins at the entry-level (100 cc segment) segment being wafer-thin, most of the new launches are likely to be in the higher engine capacity segments.

"There is talk of a leading bike maker making profit (after taking into account selling expenses) of only Rs 150 on its 100 cc bike," an industry official said.