Yamaha a well know name in India with classic like the RD 350 and RX 100 is gearing it self to launch bike in the 200cc-250cc segment. Yamaha which currently dominates the 150cc segment plans to launch new models and also look at a larger pie of the Indian two-wheeler industry. Currently Yamaha has a small share of around 5% only.
Yamaha also plans to expand capacity and export motorcycles made in India to Africa and South America in a bid to turn its local business profitable after more than 25 years.
Yamaha entered India in 1985, partnering tractor maker Escorts Ltd. In 15 years, it sold 2.5 million bikes in the country, cornering 7.2% of market share. In 2000, trying to compete with more fuel-efficient bikes, Yamaha started making low-end models. Its market share fell to 3.6% by 2005-06, and to 2.35% by 2010-11. In the 11 months to February, however, sales rose 22.55% to 251,762 units on the back of India’s economic growth.
“We are in a very severe condition,” Hiroyuki Suzuki, the new managing director and chief executive of India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd, said in an interview. “But we aim to break even by 2013 as we are increasing our production capacity.” Suzuki said Yamaha plans to diversify in India too. “We may need at least two years before we come up with a scooter in the 150cc segment,” he said. “Going forward, we will bring in motorcycles in the range of 200-250cc.”
We hope Yamaha introduces a all new product with a new powerful fuel efficient engine in the 200-250cc segment.
Source: Livemint
