MUMBAI: The Union budget has left some people high and others dry. Apropos, at a time when people are cautious about spending their hard earned money; two wheeler major Hero Honda has launched its new 'sarva guna sampanna' (all the best qualities) bike Super Splendor - touted as the most fuel-efficient bike in India.
 
 
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."
 
 
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!