Suzuki’s webs mystery on wheels

Sources claim three big bike launches from the Japanese major scheduled for 2010. Suzuki Motorcycles abstained from the Auto Expo conspicuously. But the cars were present by way of Maruti representation. The display of the 2 wheeler Hayabusa and Intruder was the merit. In addition were GSX-R600 and SV6505 a probable 600 cc bike (which may be cheaper than Gixxer 600 costing Rs8lakhs).

Another probable delivery from Suzuki seems to be the sport bike GSX-R1000 and a 250cc bike. Suzuki hasmadethe industry guessing on the possible launches that may include the monstrous B-King Gixxer 1000. Time will shred off the mystery.

Nano may enter the US in 3 years

Tata Motors’ range now lists Jaguar XJ(sedan), Tata Aria(suv), Tata Venture and Tata MagicAri. Nano will be redefined for the US market. The production of Nano to be increased for speed delivery in India. Alternative fuels- multifuel CNG, bio fuels, hybrid and electric cars all in store for near future. Electric Nano possible; electric Indica in Denmark and UK by 2011; Jauar Land Acquisition is not a closed chapter on merits of long term policy.

Singur may be taken for discussion on compensation basis but as of now lies idle. No plans yet on retirement. These are the excerpts from the interview given by the Tata Chairman Ratan Tata at the Auto Expo 2010.

Electric scooters lack power to boost sales

The sale of electric vehicles face power shortage as the constraint. The sale of e-bikes in 2008 was 110000 but 2009 would see the decline. The factors attributed for this are replacement of battery (Rs8000) and the overall running cost. The consumers are not accustomed to the difference between battery charging and normal fuel. But Electrotherm with its YObikes is offering batteries of higher volume range and less charging hours. The company has introduced vehicles with stronger chassis.

The issue regarding quality, on the eve of more Chinese vehicles, is yet to be resolved. The trend made exit of a major chunk of players – out of 300- as only 4 or 5 could sustain their presence due to huge investments (Rs80-100crores). Hero Motors, Electrotherm, BSA Motors, Ultra Motors and Emmel are in the show now. They intend to share the market yielding a sale of 8 million per year and seek the mercy of some governments on incentives or tax exemption.

Malaysian 2-wheeler firm gears up for foray

Malaysian two wheeler company Demak has in store large for Indian roads as its scooters and motorcycles are geared to run in India soon. The company’s global platform consists of e-bikes, scooters, mopeds and bikes but for India, it is beginning with scooters and bikes, said its official. In a market witnessing a sale of 8olakhs two wheelers (60 lakhs of motorcycles) the company wants to step up with some local partners. The bikes are known for 250cc, 150cc , 125 cc engines and the moped is 110cc with scooters in 90/50cc.

The production units are spread in Malaysia, Phillipines, and Indonesia in addition to the one proposed for Srilanka. The future will reveal about one such in India and may associate with Yamaha or Hero Honda in India. The sale of 2 wheelers in December 2009 was 66.70%(767796 units ) against 460852 units in the same month of 2008. The volume of bikes increased to 592596 units (76.70%) in December 2009 against 335370 units in December 2008 while that of scooter it was 41.39%rise(127597 units) against 90247 units in December 2008.

M&M

The electric version of Maximmo is set for launch from October as the ideal commercial vehicle of its size, sid its President of the Automotive division. Capable of running 90km at the complete charge for 8 hours, the saving cost may differ from state to state on the cost of electricity. The diesel Maximmo, 2 cylinder mini truck with load capacity of 850kg will vie against Tata’s one-tonner Ace in the truck sector whereas electric version is capable of 600kgs.

Maximmo may be exported to Europe and the US. M&M is in the process of electric version scooter and a strong launch in two wheeler segment. The company is in two wheeler segment with gearless scooters Duro, Rodeo and Flyte as the segment has other giant like Honda Motorcycle.

The pioneer Reva Electric is joined by Hero group, TVS, Ultra Motor, Tube Investments of India, Atlas the Lohia group, Tata Motors and GM in electric versions. The electric versions of scooters comprise little volume but have much potential and scope in view of rising fuel costs.

New variants from Maruti

In a bid to regain its stronghold in the Indian car market(50%rough) Maruti Suzuki is introducing new variants of Wagon R, Swift and Alto. The move is to counter the turbulent entry of world leaders -like Toyota, Honda and VW- into the small car market. Maruti’s strategy raises many eye brows- the industry has so far seen new variants in the increased price only. But the company CEO said that the company may like to thwart any slackening in the hard earned volume over the years.

Alto(at Rs3lakh) will represent the company’s counterpart for Nano, since M800 will be withdrawn in 11 cities following the implementation of Bharat IV norms from April 1. The redefined version of Zen to cost lesser by Rs50000 than the present model. Eeco muv would cost Rs2.59 lakh lesser than Versa by Rs1lakh. Swift (petrol), with 1.2lit KB series engine, might cost lesser than the current version by Rs30000-350000. This despite 8%excise duty imposed on vehicles with 1.2lit engine and under 4-m long.

Maruti adopts to the international standard of revitalizing the version once in 3 years. The change is in both the design and the engines to meet the emission norms. The restructuring of the versions is jointly carried out by the R&D and the component suppliers. The entry of Nano paved the momentum in Maruti circle to offer cars at competitive price ranges.

Maruti accounts 60% of net sales from the compact car segment- Swift, Alto and Wagon R- and this segment needs special care from the company. The entry level M800 will be marked for rural and small cities. Close on the heels of Maruti, other players Hyundai, Ford, Fiat, Honda Siel are also in the process of redefining the versions on cost. This, they like to work out on localized components and the entire design process.

Honda is making 2CV for 2012 at Rs5lakh by getting raw material locally aided by an R&D centre, said its VP. (currently Tata Steel supplies necessary material). Fiat is to offer Punto in the CNG version at Indian prices (current price Rs4 lakhs). Other variants that are likely to hit the roads – Hyundai Santro, Ford Figo- to meet the competition from Fiat Punto, Chevrolet UV-A and Skoda Fabia.

India promises to be the second largest market, after China, for the global car makers. This market has become a solace for them to relieve from the recession. India accounted a sale of 1.6 million small cars in 2009 comprising 25% of the net market. the need of the hour is the ecofriendly small cars at reasonable price.

Auto Expo to be bifurcated next year

The recently concluded Auto Expo at New Delhi pinned down the strategies for the coming year- the bifurcation- one for bikes and cars and another for commercial vehicles like trucks, buses and parts in simultaneous phase. This is in the style of German Automotive Industry, Hannover for CVs and Frankfurt for cars and bikes. The venue too will be shifted to more spacious one (in all likelihood in Gurgaon)as the Pragati Maidan could not meet the requirements.

Since more than 12 new makers may join in the next show, SIAM and other co-organizers are exploring the possibilities to fit in for the demands. The Expo could not witness the presence of Ford India, Nissan Motor, Ducati who are expected next time along with Peugeot-Citroen, Proton from
Malaysia, Dongfang from China, SAIC, First Automobile Works and Cherry.

The show needs redefining as the participants like major players Maruti, Hyundai and Toyota Motor were sore over the infra structures offered at the venue and the practical difficulties like prevention of road shows from Toyota and Honda. However, SIAM in association with other organizers is staging a show for bus and special vehicles in Bangalore in 2011. Many roads to drive in with pleasure!

Bajaj plays the fiddle with brand strategy 2

Bajaj, the pioneering auto maker, has succeeded in accruing good business with its branding strategy- an increase from last year’s 17% to 35%, said its MD. The much-awaiting Pulsar 135 is to consolidate its position in another three months- a target of 1lakh bikes of Pulsar – the other versions of Pulsar – 150cc, 180cc and 220cc– constitute 60000 units per month put together. In addition Discover has uncovered the mystery as its100cc got 70000 monthly units as of now and the prospects are for 1lakh monthly units as 135 filling the void.

The success story, by way of a come back was possible by means of these brands’ pemetration in the bigger market and one more bike is in the offing probably in the Discover series. Another factor is Bajaj’s omnipresence in the two wheeler market especially the bike segment, at the cost of scooters. More important and key factor has been the categorization and exclusivity of features of its brands – Discover for commuter sector, Pulsar the sporty which are pivotal in bike market.

Other bikes from Bajaj, KTM and Kawasaki, belong to the niche segment. Bajaj has formulated the designing its efficiency by placing the brand at the front and the features at back.

Auto Express ran to a free hit of streamers

The week-long fiesta at New Delhi for the auto lovers saw the curtains down after displaying the charm and fantasy to over 2 million visitors. The Expo, with 2105 exhibitors, provided platform for the launch of 25 products from domestic as well as global sector which is a surpassing aspect, compared to the earlier ones. The triumphant note penned by the Expo let it known the emerging supremacy of the Indian auto market in the world.

The comparative sanctity of the market was juxtaposed as having nine out of a thousand against 27 per thousand prevailing in China. The salient features of the Indian automobile market are economy, innovation and willingness to offer the prospect, especially for small cars. The growth rate of the market is 30%CAGR and 52% fiscal export. The event turned out to be an all time bigger show promising more penetration for the future.

Bajaj plays the fiddle with brand strategy

Bajaj, the pioneering auto maker, has succeeded in accruing good business with its branding strategy- an increase from last year’s 17% to 35%, said its MD. The much-awaiting Pulsar 135 is to consolidate its position in another three months- a target of 1lakh bikes of Pulsar – the other versions of Pulsar – 150cc, 180cc and 220cc– constitute 60000 units per month put together. In addition Discover has uncovered the mystery as its100cc got 70000 monthly units as of now and the prospects are for 1lakh monthly units as 135 filling the void.

The success story, by way of a come back was possible by means of these brands’ pemetration in the bigger market and one more bike is in the offing probably in the Discover series. Another factor is Bajaj’s omnipresence in the two wheeler market especially the bike segment, at the cost of scooters. More important and key factor has been the categorization and exclusivity of features of its brands – Discover for commuter sector, Pulsar the sporty which are pivotal in bike market.

Other bikes from Bajaj, KTM and Kawasaki, belong to the niche segment. Bajaj has formulated the designing its efficiency by placing the brand at the front and the features at back.