Yamaha, on Friday, launched a new 125cc motorcycle Saluto at an aggressive price of Rs.52,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The new launch is aimed at increasing sales in hitherto un-penetrated small towns and rural markets.
The new bike will compete with models such as Honda Shine, Hero’s Super Splendour and Bajaj Discover. In 2015, Yamaha is targeting to sell about 60,000 units of Saluto, which will be made at its upcoming new factory near Chennai.
Saluto, which comes in two colours, has been developed as a family-use motorcycle, and promises a mileage of 78 kmpl. The bike is expected to be on sales from May 1.
Meanwhile, the Japanese auto firm has chalked out a top-down approach for the Indian market. Under this plan, it seeks to establish the brand in the mass segment, while retaining its strong flavour in the performance bike segment, that is, 150cc and above categories.
“We are known for performance bikes. But we want to grow in mass segment, too. We are starting now with executive segment and will go down further,” said Roy Kurian, Vice-President – Sales and Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales.
The company has planned to establish three-fourth of its proposed 150 new dealer outlets in Tier-3 and Tier-4 locations this year.
