DSK Hyosung is planning to launch a 150cc premium commuter motorcycle in 2014. This is exciting news, because this means that by the time the 150cc goes into production, the likes of the GT250R will have significant localization – meaning a lower purchase price.
For the 150 to go on sale, a few things have to get into place first – like a manufacturing unit. DSK is looking at setting up shop near Satara in Maharashtra, a slightly puzzling move since motorcycle giant Bajaj is based out of Chakan, near Pune. Tapping into vendors already supplying to Bajaj will help bring cost down – which is what we suspect DSK will do anyway, considering Satara isn’t very far from Pune.
After the plant is ready, localisation of the GT250R will commence, beginning with parts like paint, tyres and the battery. Shirish Kulkarni, director, DSK Motowheels, said, “The plan is to set up this plant and localise the parts heavily which will result in price drop.” He mentioned that with 20 per cent localisation, the price of the GT250R should drop by Rs 20,000-30,000.
Next in line for India from the DSK-Hyosung stable is the Aquila Pro, aka the GV650 – a cruiser. Another cruiser that displaces 250cc is also in the pipeline. Coming back to the 150cc commuter motorcycle, it is still in the design phase and it is too early to predict anything other than if DSK Hyosung succeeds, they will be one of the best-placed manufacturers in the 150cc segment upwards. The sales figures certainly show that they’re doing something right; cumulative sales stand at over 800 units for the year as claimed by the company, with over half of that number being accounted for by the GT250R, which went on sale in the middle of this calendar year.
