Yamaha to develop 500$ motorcycle in India

Yamaha India announced that they are developing a motorcycle that will be priced at 500$ (Rs 27,000). The motorcycle will be manufactured in India and exported to Africa and Latin America. The company recently established a new entity – Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt Ltd in Uttar Pradesh earlier this year. 

The 500$ motorcycle may be powered by 100cc engine or more as the company claims that the smaller motorcycles with smaller engine do not have good balance. The world’s cheapest motorcycle will be launched in India first and later will be exported to international market. 

"We have been focusing on sporty, stylish and performance bikes in India so far. Now we are looking to increase our presence in the commuter segment. Developing the product in India will give us a substantial cost advantage and enable us to price it competitively." said Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO and MD, Yamaha India.

The company will also be launching new scooter every year till 2016 to strengthen its position in the Indian two-wheeler industry.