Yamaha India focussing on fuel efficiency

India Yamaha Motor known for its performance entry-level motorcycles like the YZF-R15 and the FZ series is shifting its focus to develop performance motorcycles with very good fuel efficiency. It wants to shed its ‘performance’ image and change it to ‘performance with mileage’ image that will help them garner more market share.

The Japanese manufacturer is contemplating introducing fuel efficient technologies that will be featured in its upcoming new launches as well as facelifts.  The company is researching advanced technologies such as closed loop fuel injection to improve efficiency. But it is making sure the cost involved in this technology will stay low, to main cost benefit and also keep a check on emission for cleaner air. 

"Fuel economy of course is a key factor that influences the buying behaviour of the Indian customer across segments. Hence, we are investing our resources in Toshikazu Kobayashi innovations in fuel economy technologies across segments," said Toshikazu Kobayashi, managing director, Yamaha Motor Research and Development India.

"Going forward, you may expect us to launch new models of two-wheelers with more fuel efficient technology in Indian market which provide best in class mileage as well as cleaner air to our customers." he added.

India Yamaha Motor is in the process of launching an updated version of the FZ series and we believe this will be the perfect product to sport this new technology. There have been rumours that this new FZ will be fuel-injected and will have a re-bored 160cc engine. It will be interesting to see if they actually get this technology on this bike, as it is one of the highest selling premium 150cc motorcycles in the segment. 

Fuel efficient is the most important aspect of a bike in India. Few companies like Hero Moto Corp were able to forsee this  many years ago, and that is why they have been leading the industry till now. Its previous partner, Honda has been working along the same lines and has been able to stay at number two in the leadership table.