BSA Motors to launch 3 e-scooters in 2010-11

Two-wheeler maker BSA Motors today said it will invest Rs 50 crore in next fiscal, besides launching three new models, as part of its strategy to capture over 20 per cent share in the Indian electric scooter market by 2010-11.

The company also said it might double the capacity of its Chennai plant to 9,000 units a month as part of the strategy.

"During 2010-11, we will invest Rs 50 crore and launch three new models of e-scooters. Of this, Rs 30 crore will go for market development and the rest for our work on motor controller technology and battery charging technology," BSA Motors Vice President K B Srinivasan told reporters of the sidelines of the 10th Auto Expo here.

He said the new models coming later this year will be in the high-speed segment with a range of around 60 kilometres per hour and a single charge run of around 80 kilometres.

Srinivasan added that the company, which ventured into the e-scooter segment last year, is looking to capture at least 20 per cent of the 1.1 lakh units Indian market by 2010-11.

"This fiscal we are likely to sell 15,000 units. The e-scooter market is growing at double digit and our aim is to cross the 20 per cent market share during next fiscal. IN 2010-11, we will aim to double our sales to 30,000 units," Srinivasan said.

BSA Motors also launched two e-scooters today.

While the Edge, priced at Rs 35,500 (ex showroom Delhi) is specially designed for the differently-abled drivers, the Roamer Able is priced at Rs 35,300 (ex showroom Delhi) and is fitted with in-built reverse gear mechanism.

The company already has five other models in its portfolio.

Srinivasan said BSA Motors may double the capacity of its Chennai plant to cope with growing demand.

"Our current capacity is 4,500 units a month. We may double it to 9,000 units in case the market conditions demand such a measure. However, no final decision has been taken so far," he said, adding that such an operation will involve investment of around Rs 100 crore.

The company is in talks with local government bodies for setting up charging stations in public places.

"We are in talks some local bodies. We already have some such stations in Delhi and we want to spread the initiative," Srinivasan said.

The company will be starting exports of its e-scooters from this month.

"We are starting with Nepal where we have finalised our first distributor. We are also looking at the markets in the Middle East and South America," he said.

BSA Motors is also increasing the retail network in the domestic market.

"We have currently 80 outlets across eight states. By end of 2010-11, we will more than double it to 200 outlets in 15 states," Srinivasan said.