Yamaha sells like hot cakes in TN, Kerala

Tamil Nadu and Kerala have emerged the biggest contributors to the total motorcycle sales of the Japanese two-wheeler major Yamaha, with its model 'Crux' selling well in these states.

Speaking at the launch of its 125cc motorcycle 'Gladiator', D Anjan, regional business head, (Tamil Nadu and Kerala), Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd, said the two regions accounted for 33 per cent of the total sales of its motorcycles in the last six months.

In 2005, the company sold 36,000 units in Tamil Nadu and 18,000 units in Kerala. The sales of 'Crux' accounted for over 70 per cent of the total sales. The company expects 50 per cent growth in sales in these two states during this calendar year.

Anjan said its new model 'Gladiator', a combination of style and international trends, was targeted at the urban youth below 24 years. The company has set a target to sell 10,000 'Gladiators' across the country during this year.

The four-stroke and five-speed motorcycle will be available in two variants - Deluxe and Standard. The deluxe model, featuring an electric self-starter and 240 mm front disc brakes, will be available at an ex-show room price of Rs 44,990, while the standard model, with kick-start and drum brakes facilities, is priced at Rs 41,990 (ex-show room). The company promises a mileage of 67 kmpl.

Yamaha has a market share of five per cent in the country and is aiming to triple the share in the next few years. The company will be producing 'Gladiators' from its present production plant in Surajpur near Noida, which has a capacity to produce 4 lakh units a year.

As part of its expansion strategy, the company plans to add five dealerships in Tamil Nadu to take the total number of dealerships to 41. It has 16 dealer outlets in Kerala and is likely to add a couple more during this year.