Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL), the world’s largest
two-wheeler manufacturer, today outlined its aggressive plans for the year,
unveiling a range of its new generation of two-wheelers, to be launched in the
Indian market over the next few months.
In an impactful take-off into the New Year, HMCL
launched three new models today, on the eve of the Auto Expo – an all new 110
cc Passion X Pro, a 110 cc masculine
scooter, Maestro, and a thrilling
new 125 cc bike, Ignitor. All the
three models have been launched in the new “Hero” brand name.
Unveiling the new models here today, Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director &
Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said “The calendar year of 2011 was
a watershed year for us at Hero MotoCorp. We not only made a successful
transition into a new entity during the year, but equally importantly, we also
raised the bar several notches higher to significantly improve upon our earlier
performance. The launches that you see today are not just new products, these
models reflect the company’s intent and vision for the future, and a clear
strategy to further consolidate our leadership position. We have a positive
outlook towards the New Year as we work towards our plans in the domestic and
overseas markets.”
The launch of the new Passion X Pro model signifies
the evolution and the impetus that HMCL is imparting to the popular deluxe
segment. With this, commuters shall be offered a fantastic combination of style
and performance, thereby providing greater choice to the fast-emerging ‘upgraders’
within the segment. Following this up with Maestro, the 110cc scooter
positioned exclusively for males, the company expects to further increase its presence
and consolidate its position even more strongly in the higher-growth scooter
segment. HMCL’s share in the gearless scooter market has been consistently
going up, selling an average of over 35,000 units of Pleasure - the 100cc
scooter which is positioned specifically for women users.
HMCL already has a very strong presence in the
125cc space where it straddles the segment with two clear positioning planks
with two powerful brands - Glamour and the Super Splendor. Glamour appeals to
youngsters as the most attractive bike with its ‘Simply Magnetic’ positioning, while
Super Splendor has its own loyal customer base as the strong and reliable
functional bike with exceptional performance.
Ignitor is expected to carve out its own space
within this segment as a powerful yet extremely stylish bike that would excite
the young college-goers as much as it would an early jobber. Powered with a 125cc
11 bhp engine and edgy aggressive styling, the lean machine Ignitor would
surely ignite customers’ imagination and add a lot of fun and excitement to the
riding experience.
According to Mr. Anil Dua, Senior Vice President (Marketing & Sales), Hero
MotoCorp, “We have always kept our entire range of products refreshed with frequent
launches of new models with cutting-edge technology and contemporary looks. The
launch of Ignitor, Passion X Pro and the Maestro is in keeping with that
commitment and certainly adds a lot of power and style to our existing range of
product portfolio. These three new exciting products come as a New Year bonanza
to our customers and we will be launching these in the market in a phased
manner during the course of the year. Having just concluded the calendar year
2011 with over six million unit sales, we are confident of maintaining the
growth trajectory during the new year as well.”
HMCL in December last year established an
industry landmark, reporting its highest-ever sales for a calendar year – the
first full year since embarking on its new journey. The company sold record
6,117,599 units of two-wheelers in the period January-December 2011, a growth
of 19.2% over the calendar year of 2010 when it had sold 5,134,549
two-wheelers.
HMCL in the
fiscal year 2012 so far has made impressive addition to an already strong
product portfolio. Even as the company launched refreshed
models of Glamour and Glamour FI to further strengthen leadership in the deluxe
segment, it also introduced the refreshed version of Karizma ZMR to further
build on its success in the premium segment.
The
festive season witnessed the launch of the on-road, off-road Impulse – the
first “Hero” branded motorcycle, which also launched a new segment
in the Indian two-wheeler market.
