Hero Motocorp unveils new range of products

Auto Expo 2012 is in air. Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL), the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, today outlined its aggressive plans for the year, unveiling a range of its new generation of two-wheelers, to be launched in the Indian market over the next few months at this event. In an impactful take-off into the New Year, HMCL launched three new models today, on the eve of the Auto Expo – an all new 110 cc Hero Motocorp Passion X Pro, a 110 cc masculine scooter, Hero MotoCorp Maestro 110, and a thrilling new 125 cc bike, Hero Motocorp Ignitor. All the three models have been launched in the new “Hero” brand name.

Unveiling the new models here today, Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said “The calendar year of 2011 was a watershed year for us at Hero MotoCorp. We not only made a successful transition into a new entity during the year, but equally importantly, we also raised the bar several notches higher to significantly improve upon our earlier performance. The launches that you see today are not just new products, these models reflect the company’s intent and vision for the future, and a clear strategy to further consolidate our leadership position. We have a positive outlook towards the New Year as we work towards our plans in the domestic and overseas markets.”

The launch of the new Passion X Pro model signifies the evolution and the impetus that HMCL is imparting to the popular deluxe segment. With this, commuters shall be offered a fantastic combination of style and performance, thereby providing greater choice to the fast-emerging ‘upgraders’ within the segment. Following this up with Maestro, the 110cc scooter positioned exclusively for males, the company expects to further increase its presence and consolidate its position even more strongly in the higher-growth scooter segment. HMCL’s share in the gearless scooter market has been consistently going up, selling an average of over 35,000 units of Pleasure - the 100cc scooter which is positioned specifically for women users.

HMCL already has a very strong presence in the 125cc space where it straddles the segment with two clear positioning planks with two powerful brands - Glamour and the Super Splendor. Glamour appeals to youngsters as the most attractive bike with its ‘Simply Magnetic’ positioning, while Super Splendor has its own loyal customer base as the strong and reliable functional bike with exceptional performance. Ignitor is expected to carve out its own space within this segment as a powerful yet extremely stylish bike that would excite the young college-goers as much as it would an early jobber. Powered with a 125cc 11 bhp engine and edgy aggressive styling, the lean machine Ignitor would surely ignite customers’ imagination and add a lot of fun and excitement to the riding experience.

According to Mr. Anil Dua, Senior Vice President (Marketing & Sales), Hero MotoCorp, “We have always kept our entire range of products refreshed with frequent launches of new models with cutting-edge technology and contemporary looks. The launch of Ignitor, Passion X Pro and the Maestro is in keeping with that commitment and certainly adds a lot of power and style to our existing range of product portfolio. These three new exciting products come as a New Year bonanza to our customers and we will be launching these in the market in a phased manner during the course of the year. Having just concluded the calendar year 2011 with over six million unit sales, we are confident of maintaining the growth trajectory during the new year as well.”

HMCL in December last year established an industry landmark, reporting its highest-ever sales for a calendar year – the first full year since embarking on its new journey. The company sold record 6,117,599 units of two-wheelers in the period January-December 2011, a growth of 19.2% over the calendar year of 2010 when it had sold 5,134,549 two-wheelers. HMCL in the fiscal year 2012 so far has made impressive addition to an already strong product portfolio. Even as the company launched refreshed models of Glamour and Glamour FI to further strengthen leadership in the deluxe segment, it also introduced the refreshed version of Karizma ZMR to further build on its success in the premium segment. The festive season witnessed the launch of the on-road, off-road Impulse – the first “Hero” branded motorcycle, which also launched a new segment in the Indian two-wheeler market.