Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has stated that they could become the number one motorcycle manufacturer in India by 2015-16 provided the slowdown in the two-wheeler market continues.
The company says that Bajaj is a bigger rival than their old partner Hero MotoCorp as Bajaj has better R&D, sales network and they are the best in creating alliances. As per SIAM’s data, Hero had the highest total sales of 54.61 lakh units between April 2012 and February 2013. HMSI followed second at 23.67 lakh units and Bajaj was third at 22.82 lakh units.
"Today the market is almost 1.4 crore (units) in India. So, if (it) remains (at the) same level, no growth happening, we may become number one in 2015 or 16," said Shinji Aoyama, COO, Honda Motor Corp.
"In terms of numbers, Hero is still number one but very frankly speaking, the consolidated power, including R&D, sales network there, including many of these elements, I think Bajaj is very strong. Bajaj is very good at creating alliance. You will witness actually HMSI is gaining market share while Hero is losing the market share and the trend will continue.” he added.
HMSI will be launching 3-4 new motorcycles this fiscal year and their new plant in Karnataka which has a production capacity of 1.2 million units will begin production in next three months.
Source: Economictimes
