Hero unveils diesel concept bike, new models

Hero MotoCorp, on Wednesday, unveiled five new models, including a 150cc diesel concept motorcycle and a hybrid scooter.

“Barring RNT (the 150 cc diesel concept bike), the remaining four models, will be launched in the next year. We plan to launch 150cc Xtreme Sports bike in the first quarter, 110cc scooter Dash in the second quarter and Leap (the hybrid scooter) and 250cc sports bike in the second half of the next fiscal,” Managing Director and CEO Pawan Munjal told reporters here.

On the timeframe for the launch of the RNT motorcycle, Mr. Munjal said, “It’s a concept, and we will have to do much research before we bring it to the commercial arena.”

Terming the product unique, Mr. Munjal said the company would take time, and had not put a date for the launch of the vehicle.

“As we go ahead, we would like to add accessories, variants to the model...it will have usage in various countries besides India due to the kind of features it has,” he said.

Speaking on the hybrid Leap — with petrol as well electric engine — Mr. Munjal said the company would first launch the vehicle in the western markets and then bring it to India. “The hybrid scooter will have a range of around 340 km on one single charge and a full tank...the scooter's range is better than any electric vehicle,” Mr. Munjal said. Hero MotoCorp Senior Vice-President (Marketing and Sales) Anil Dua said the company had already completed the launch of 11 models of the 15 models it had showcased in October last year. “We have already launched 11 models during the last quarter and the remaining four would be launched in the current (Jan-March) quarter,” Mr. Dua said.