Hero MotoCorp is facing a huge problem. Though it still outsells its competitors every month, the margin by which it does so is decreasing. It is also experiencing a drop in sales (by about 10% in April 2013) because its competition which is relentlessly launching new products. Hero MotoCorp takes all this seriously and will be launching at least three two-wheelers by the end of 2013.
The Splendour and Passion motorcycles are facing a stiff challenge from Honda’s Dream Yuga and Dream Neo. Bajaj expanded the Discover range a while back with the Discover 100T and is planning to launch even more bikes in the coming months. Yamaha launched new versions of the Ray scooter and is looking at expanding its low capacity bike portfolio. TVS has tied up with BMW to bring a 250cc bike to the market.
Updated on 19th July 2013
A set of spy shots are doing the rounds of the interweb, of what appears to be a faired bike being from Hero Motorcorp being tested.
The bike seems to be in the final stages of testing, and speculation is strife that this could be successor of the Hero Karizma ZMR. Details on the bike is sparse, and we’ve had to rely on the photos to decode what the bike might be hiding under the covers. The obvious thing is that this is a fully faired bike, with clip-on handlebars, alloy footrests, a slim-sharp rear end, a tyre hugger can be seen too. If you look closely you can see an exposed chain, gas-charged shocks at the back and a rectangular swingarm. The rear tyre seems a bit too slim for the bike, remind us a bit of the the first generation Yamaha R15.
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There is talk that the new bike could be powered by a Honda-sourced 225cc, single-cylinder engine which could be mated to a five-speed transmission. The bike is expected to rival the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS, the KTM Duke 200 and the Honda CBR 250R.
Photo Courtesy: Autocar India and Gaadi.com
You read more about the new Hero bike here
Updated on 31st May 2013
Hero will be launching two new bikes in the 100cc and 125cc category, the third product will be an automatic scooter. Hero has been trying to technology/platforms from former partner Honda, these products could be made with the help of new partners Erik Buell Racing , Engines Engineering or AVL.
Hero will be looking to launch its new products during the festival period around Dusshera and Diwali to make sell easily. In the long term, Hero is also looking to expand its reach outside India, into countries in emerging markets of South America and Africa to counter the sluggish market here.
Stay tuned to this space for more news.
source: ET
