Yamaha gears up to boost market share with 2 launches

Plans 2 premium bike launches in ’09.

Yamaha Motor India (YMI), which recently launched two premium bikes, said it has plans to roll out two more models in the fiercely-competitive two-wheeler market next year. The new models, which will be in the 125cc and above category, will be part of the company’s Rs 800-crore revamp plan under which it will also expand its plant’s production capacity to 800,000 units annually.

“We are looking to back up the two launches that happened this year with two more next year. Both launches will be in the bike segment. The demand has been picking up (for Yamaha models) of late and we would like to keep up with the momentum,” said a senior executive of Yamaha, a subsidiary of Japan’s Yamaha Motors Company.

The recently-launched premium bikes were priced at Rs 65,000 and Rs 97,000, respectively. There is a possibility that the company may try to bring in its gearless scooter range to India considering the company’s complete absence in that segment. YMI currently produces and sells six models in the 7.2-million strong Indian two-wheeler market, while it imports two high-end models as completely built units (CBU).

According to company executives, the two-wheeler maker is studying the demand for the scooter range, including models like Jog, Tmax and Majesty (all in 150-250cc range) in India and will take a decision about its possible introduction in due course.

It will also strengthen its dealer and service network. The company currently operates with a dealer network of more than 430 outlets across major towns and cities in the country. It plans to rebrand them as concept stores even as it aims to add 80 more dealers to its tally in the coming months.

Its marketing and promotion team is carrying out a major drive across cities and its suburbs making potential two- wheeler buyers aware of the Yamaha brand once again by giving free test rides of its newly-launched bikes.