Kinetic Engg, Bajaj Line Up Launch Slew

Action in the motorcycle market is hotting up with a slew of launches lined up over the next couple of months. Kinetic Engineering is launching its GF series of motorcycles in September. Bajaj Auto will launch two versions of its high-end sports cruiser, Pulsar, in October. TVS Suzuki Ltd is rolling out Fiero, a 110 cc 4-stroke motorcycle in September besides planning a new version of its best-selling model, Fiero, after three months.

This comes on the heels of a flurry of new launches done by some of these companies in the recent past. Bajaj Auto has launched four models in rapid succession. While in the utility segment the Pune-based company recently launched the new Boxer CT, at the medium priced category of executive motorcycles it has lined up two models Croma and Aspire for launch during this month. In the premium category of cruiser bikes, Bajaj Auto's offering Eliminator will go national from this month.

 

While Croma has been launched for the northern market, Aspire is for the west and south. "In the last three years, our market share has improved from 11 per cent to 24 per cent. We expect it to improve to 27 per cent by end-March 2002," Bajaj Auto vice-president (business development and marketing) R L Ravichandran said.

Market leader Hero Honda too has added two new models to its portfolio -- Passion and Joy. While the unique selling proposition of Passion is its looks ("born in a studio, not in a factory," says the slugline to its advertisement), Joy has been positioned as a utility bike complete with a round headlight.

LML too has launched new versions called Adreno SF and Energy SF of its existing models. "These new variants have been introduced at virtually the same price points. It has become an extremely competitive market," LML senior vice president R D Jayal said. LML has a tie-up with Daelim of South Korea to produce motorcycles in India.

Reflecting on the need to launch new models, TVS Suzuki vice-president (business planning) R Chandramouli said: "One has to create excitement in the market. More than 50 per cent of motorcycle buyers are repeat customers. A new model is a good reason for them to buy a new motorcycle. A new model certainly creates excitement." First off the block is TVS Victor, a 110 cc four-stroke motorcycle. After three months, the company plans to come up with another variant of its 150cc four-stroke motorcycle, Fiero.

Kinetic Engineering, the motorcycle manufacturing arm of the Kinetic Group, is going to launch its 125cc and 150cc GF series of motorcycles in September. These motorcycles have been developed in association with Hyosung of South Korea. The company plans to launch three new models every year.