 Commenting
on the fast changing Indian two-wheeler industry, Munjal on the other
hand said, "Hero Honda is already an undisputed leader in the
'deluxe' segment, which is witnessing the highest expansion currently
and will continue to do so for in the coming years. The launch of
Super Splendor will not only strengthen our domination in the segment
but will also redefine the structure of the Indian two wheeler industry."
 With
the launch of Super Splendor, the company has assured an absolute
quantum shift in performance and with the new engine, better fuel
efficiency has also been guaranteed. Sobti said, "The new motorcycle
has been developed after extensive market research. With its USP
of technological excellence, which delivers a unique combination
of top fuel efficiency and high power, this 'sarva guna sampanna'
bike will surely prove to be an owner's delight. In line with the
top performance, we are also offering a three year warranty on the
bike, for the first time in the Indian two-wheeler industry."
 Queried
as to whether with the launch of the new bike, the manufacturing
of Splendor and Passion will be somewhat curtailed, Sobti said,
"Splendor and Passion account for almost Rs 150,000+ of Hero
Honda's sales and there are no plans to cut their manufacturing.
It will really depend on the demands of the customer. While we will
be trying to increase our market share, we will also be looking
at increasing our profitability. Our models will not compete with
each other, they will compliment each other."
Rs 70 MILLION SET ASIDE FOR MEDIA BLITZ
 The
company has set aside approximately, Rs 70 - Rs 80 million this
year for the media blitz. And now with the India-Pakistan cricket
match starting 8 March, Super Splendor will not only get a red carpet
launch but also a green field launch when the maximum (eye)balls
will be glued to the television.
Super Splendor will be available in four variants - drum-kick,
drum-self, disc-kick and disc-self and ten vibrant colours - Candy
Blazing Red, Black (two variants), Tahitian Blue, High Granite Blue,
Cool Mint Green Metallic, Gold, Silver, Maroon and Forest Blue Metallic.
If the first quarter of the year saw the launch of Super Splendor
from Hero Honda's kitty, the subsequent quarters of 2005 will also
see the launch of a range of two wheelers from the company. Also
notable is the fact that 2006 will see Hero Honda launching its
first ever scooter. The company sure is 'gearing' up and how!
|
Present
at the launch of the new 125 cc bike were Hero Honda chairman Brijmohan
Lall, managing director Pawan Munjal and executive director - business
operations Atul Sobti. The size of the Indian automobile market is
Rs 870 billion out of which the two wheeler segment comprises about
80 per cent. In a huge market like this, the new Super Splendor, which
is priced at Rs 42,500, has been manufactured with the futuristic
Quantum core engine, developed specially for the Indian customer.
Announcing
the launch of the new motorcycle, Lall said, "As the leader two-wheeler
brand in the country, we consider it our responsibility to set and
improve standards, for the benefit of the customers, and growth of
the industry. We are sure that this breakthrough engine technology
will also reinforce the commitment and support from our joint venture
partner - Honda Motors, Japan."