2014 is expected to be a happening year for two-wheeler companies that operate in the Indian auto market. Therefore, bike aficionados can expect the launch of various products in both, motorcycle and scooter categories in the ongoing year. Talking about 2013, one of the main highlights was the entry of new bike companies in India like Triumph. With premium bike makers introducing their respective models, the competition is expected to intensify in the near future. Clearly, the demand for premium bikes is likely to gain momentum in 2014. Bike companies like TVS, Mahindra Two-Wheeler, Hyosung, India Yamaha Motors and Honda are all set to get the buzz going around their respective new models in 2014.
In 2013, BMW and TVS entered into a collaboration to manufacturer bikes and scooters below 500 cc. The entire product line is being developed to be sold in India as well as global markets. TVS is likely to showcase several different models at the Auto Expo 2014. One can also hope to see RTR250 at the motor show. DSK Hyosung too has confirmed that it is going to launch two new bikes in 2014. The company is anticipated to showcase GD250 and new GV250 Aquila at the upcoming mega event.
Mahindra Centuro got a good response and now it is time for the company to chip in Mojo. This motorcycle is likely to make its debut at the Auto Expo, followed by a launch in either March or April 2014. Yamaha is expected to bring forth much awaited R25 around June 2014. The company is also likely to roll out R15 as promised earlier. It would be interesting to see how Yamaha goes about pricing these models. R25 happens to be a decent model and a lot will depend on its pricing. Just like Yamaha, Honda is also expected to unveil its CBR 300R at the Auto Expo 2014. Also, like R25, it would be interesting to see how the company goes about pricing this bike.
Industry experts believe that 2014 looks to be really promising with respect to launches of new scooters as well. Honda is expected to unveil another 110 cc scooter in order to strengthen its foothold in the Indian scooter market. Earlier, there were rumours that the company is working on a 125 cc variant. However, as it turns out to be, the auto maker has decided to stick with a 110 cc model in order to keep the cost low. The engine used in this scooter will make use of Honda’s HET (Honda Eco Technology) to yield better fuel efficiency.
TVS is planning to unveil RockZ 125 in the Indian market. This scooter has already made its mark in Indonesia. The one that sells in the Indonesian market is powered by a 125 cc engine delivering peak power output of 9.8 bhp and torque of up to 9.8 Nm. Different features of this scooter are an integrated music system with on-board MP3 player and storage, FM radio, an advanced anti theft lock system with an engine kill switch and ignition slot that glows in the dark. One can expect this scooter to cost around Rs. 65,000. Bajaj is also planning to roll out Blade 125 in the domestic market. The launch date is still unknown, however one can expect the company to unveil its new model at the Indian Auto Expo 2014.
Yamaha Motors is planning to introduce a unisex scooter that will compete with the segment leader Honda Activa. This scooter is likely to be showcased at the mega event. So far, Yamaha has managed to claim only 5 per cent share in the scooter market. Thus, this new product is expected to consolidate the position of Yamaha in India. Like other products, the pricing of this scooter is going to be vital for its success among the price sensitive domestic buyers. As such, scooter enthusiasts would like Yamaha to roll out this product at a highly competitive price.
