Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India on Thursday said it plans to launch over 10 new models in the country during the next year. These launches will include seven new products and a few refreshed models.
“During the course of next year we plan to launch over ten models,” HMSI President & CEO Keita Muramatsu told reporters at the sidelines of the launch of CB Unicorn 160.
The two wheeler manufacturer presently sells a over 20 motorcycle and scooter models in the country.
Out of over 10 product launches planned for the next year, seven would be completely new platforms while others would be upgrades of the existing models, he added.
Asked about company’s plans to launch low-cost models in the country, Muramatsu said, “We are working on two models, a bike and a scooter, but there is no definite time frame set for the project.”
The low-cost bike for India will be developed with the help of local R&D. The Japanese two-wheeler major already sells low-cost bikes in Africa priced at around $600.
Meanwhile, the CB Unicorn 160 is the company’s fourth launch of 2014 after Activa 125, CD110 and Gold Wing.
“With this launch, Honda is strengthening its portfolio in the 150-180cc segment, which is the fastest growing segment in the motorcycles. We already have significant
presence in the commuter segment,” HMSI Vice President Sales & Marketing YS Guleria said, adding HMSI has a market share of around 20 per cent in the segment.
The company sells CB Unicorn 150, CBR 150 R and CB Trigger models in the 150-180cc range.