Aiming to regain its lost position in the two wheeler industry, TVS Motor Company today launched its second 125cc motorcycle -- TVS Phoenix.
The first 125cc motorcycle from the Hosur-based manufacturer was TVS Flame that was introduced few years back.
The Company, which was competing with Bajaj Auto and Hero Motor Corporation, was pushed to the fourth slot as motorcycle manufacturers in the country are facing stiff competition from Japanese Honda Motorcycles and Scooters and Yamaha.
"It is a historic occasion for us. Lot of hard work has gone and lot of understanding," TVS Motor Company Vice President Marketing H S Goindi told reporters here, after the launch of the motorcycle.
Stating that the motorcycle has got a host of new features with a powerful engine, he claimed the vehicle under standard test conditions comes with a mileage of 67 kmpl.
Goindi said the total two-wheeler industry comprising of 8.4 lakh units, grew by 3%, while the 125cc executive deluxe segment comprising 1.47 lakh units grew by 7% last year.
"We have developed an all new engine for this motorcycle. It complements several unique features to ensure premium ride quality. This launch will increase our market share in the segment. We are now present in economy, executive and premium segments of the motorcycle market," TVS Motor Company Chairman Venu Srinivasan said.
TVS Phoenix is priced at Rs53,000 (Ex-showroom Chennai), Srinivasan said.
It would compete with Hero Motor Corporation's Super Splendour, Glamour125cc, Bajaj Auto's Discover 125cc, Honda's CB Shine, which is considered as the market leader in this segment.
Srinivasan said TVS Motor Company would relaunch its highly successful TVS Victor motorcycle in August and two more scooterettes in next 12 months.
He said the company would also consider exporting Phoenix, and hopes to sell about 20,000 units of the motorcycle during the coming festive season.
On reports of TVS holding talks with German auto-maker BMW's motorcycle division, BMW Motorrad, for a possible tie-up, Srinivasan said his company was holding talks.
TVS sells Star City, Sport, Max 4R in the entry level segment and auto-clutch TVS Jive. It has Apache RTR 160 and 180cc in the premium segment.It also sells scooterette Streak, Scooty, Wego and three wheeler TVS King in India.
