In a bid to enhance rural focus, Yamaha rolls out 110-cc Saluto RX

The firm is betting on better monsoon forecast to boost sale of the commuter bike, priced at Rs 46,400

Japanese two-wheeler major Yamaha today launched a commuter bike aimed at the rural buyer. An above normal monsoon forecast this year is expected to push up two-wheeler sales in the rural market. Four of every ten two-wheeler is sold in the rural market.

The BS-IV compliant 110-cc bike Saluto RX has been launched at a price of Rs 46,400 (ex showroom, Delhi).  “India is the largest two-wheeler market in the world with nearly 16 million units sold last year. It is strategically important for Yamaha," said Masaki Asano, managing director at Yamaha Motor India. In the year ended March 31, Yamaha's sales in Indian market zoomed over 15% to 651,408 units much above the average industry growth of 3%.

The company's vice-president (sales and marketing) Roy Kurian said the 110-cc commuter segment of bike is by far the most competitive segment in the Indian market. He said the bike has been styled and priced keeping in mind the rural buyers. The company wants to grow the rural share in sales which currently stands at about 10%.