The Japanese auto giant Yamaha’s Indian wing has stopped the production of G5 and Alba(both 106cc) and Gladiator (124cc) [images]. Further, there won’t be any upgrading of these models for meeting the BS III norms. The company’s National Sales Head revealed that the existing stocks will continue till they exhaust. These three models have become extinct and will soon be replaced with new models in the same segment, said the company. They are 153cc SZ(Rs49000) [images], SZ-X [images] (Rs52000) in place of Alba and G5 and 125cc YBR (Rs47000) in place of Gladiator. Also in the new range is YBR110 for Alba and G5. He clarified that the introduction of two models in the 150 cc section will add to the existing four models but the cost will be the dividing factor to hit the new consumers.
These two bikes come with a 4-stroke air cooled engine for extra power under low to middle range. With alloy wheels and electric starter, these bikes portray sporty look and cost lesser than the existing ones in the segment. Yamaha targeted these bikes on the youth under 24 years for availing fuel efficiency and sporty outlook. Tough competition is expected in this segment, he remarked. Yamaha’s current product range includes YZF-R15 [images], FZ-16 [images], Fazer [images], and FZ-S [images] under 150cc segment with 10% market share. These bikes are directed towards those in the age group of 18-24 years. He further said the launch of new products might yield a growth upto 30% in coming period.
The YBR 125, with 123cc engine and a 4-speed gear box, is meant for rural segment and semi-urban area. The company expects an increase of 3000 monthly units of this bike alone whereby the current share of 2% will get a boost. The deliveries of the bookings of these models will be in September, he quoted. Yamaha India’s net production capacity is 6 lakh annual units from which 60-70% go for marketing easily he said.