Hero MotoCorp plans to join the 250cc bandwagon by launching a new 250cc Sports bike. The motorcycle is currently under development and the company is working with American technology partner Erick Buell Racing (EBR).
Hero may showcase the first completely in house developed motorcycle at the 2014 Auto Expo. According to ET sources: “Hero is determined to showcase to the world its capability and competence in bringing world-class products with superior technology on its own in quick time. It is currently working on several models ranging from low-engine displacement to higher-powered motorcycles and scooters. However, the first bike on a new platform to hit the market will be a 250cc motorcycle.”
Ever since the company split from Honda, Hero has been working hard to set up its own R&D and for this process the company has also set-up a new R&D centre. Besides this the company has also tied with many foreign companies for technology and new product development.
Hero MotoCorp R&D plans for India (Source Hero Annual report)
- Will setup India’s largest two-wheeler R&D center in Jaipur. Work is underway.
- Initial investment of Rs. 400 crores, built over an area of 250 acres and will have a workforce of 500 employees.
- Will be operational in second quarter of FY14
- Will include design/simulation studio & infrastructure for component & complete vehicle testing (including test tracks).
- Hiring of engineers & designers already underway.
- Engineers & designers undergoing training under Eric Buell Racing (USA)
- AVL of Austria will help develop engines of various sizes & power output.
- Open to striking alliances if required to shore up R&D efforts.
The high-powered 250cc bike with cutting-edge technology and next-generation styling has been jointly conceptualized, designed and developed by Hero and EBR engineers. Initial development is being done at the EBR centre in US, while the complete development and manufacturing of the bike will be done at Hero’s plants in India.
Hero is also considering exports of its 250cc bike once it makes debut in the Indian market.
GOW speculation: Hero may use the 250cc engine from Honda as the company has rights for the same under the new technical agreement which was signed a few months before the company split with from Honda.
Will the new 250cc replace the ZMR or the Karizma, well the chances seem positive. Hero may adopt the Bajaj strategy where the company has taken the Pulsar brand to a new height by launching the Pulsar 200NS.
So are you Game for the Hero 250cc??
Source: ET
