Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) unveiled the new new 150 cc bike CB Trigger for the Indian market on March 11, 2013. The company claims that the new bike will offer a mileage of 60 kilometers per liter and will feature Honda’s combi brake system. The bike is expected to hit the Indian roads by the end of April 2013.
The two wheeler division of the Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda stated that it considers Bajaj Auto as a more formidable rival in comparison to the market leader Hero MotoCorp.
The company is targeting the top position in the two wheeler market in India by 2015-16. It stated that if the current market slowdown continues, it could overtake Hero to become the number one two wheeler maker in India. It currently holds the second position in the market while Bajaj Auto comes in at the third position.
In the period April 2012 to February 2013, HMSI sold a total of 23,67,000 units in the Indian market in comparison to Hero’s total sales of 54,61,000 units for the same period.
Commenting on the market conditions, Mr. Shinji Aoyama Operating Officer Honda Motor Co stated that given the market conditions, currently Hero is losing its market share while Honda has been gaining share in the two wheeler market.
HMSI plans to launch 3-4 new two wheeler models in the fiscal 2013-14 with the aim of further expanding its market share. It is also in the process of setting up a new plant and is exploring options for the plant’s location.