Hero to launch 250cc bikes by 2015, Might Show Prototypes at Auto Expo

The world's largest two wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp may launch its new 250cc motorcycle by 2015. As we all know that the company has developed 3 new engines including a 250cc engine with its new technical partner Erik Buell Racing (EBR). A couple of months ago, Senior Vice-President (marketing and sales), Hero MotoCorp, Mr. Anil Dua announced, “We have successfully tested three engines. These will be introduced in some of our products next year.” The company will start using these engines in its new range of products from 2015, however there is strong possibility that they showcase concept bikes at upcoming Auto Expo.

A few months ago, Hero introduced 15 updated products of its existing line-up, which will be launched in 2014. The company's MD & CEO, Mr. Pawan Munjal commented on it, “It has just been over two years since we commenced our solo journey. In this short span, we have made significant upgradation of our existing line, incorporating next-generation technology and features. This is a reiteration of our capability to develop indigenous technologies.” Earlier, the company announced to launch 50 new products in three years, 15 of which has been already unvieled, which means there are 35 more products to come out of the cover. Hero has used some of inhouse developed technologies in these products, but the overall platform is still borrowed from its previous partner's Honda.

The company is working to make its line-up developed at its R&D and expected to start rolling out this line-up from 2015. Right now, the company has licence to use Honda's technology till 2017, but the company is aiming to complete the job by 2016 with the support of its technical partners Erik Buell Racing (EBR) and Austrian engine developer AVL. Mr. Munjal said, “Our ultimate aim is to have our partners as an extended R&D arm for Hero MotoCorp. These partners have huge specifications available and we want to be known as a full-fledged global two-wheeler brand eventually.”

So, it is sure that the company is not launching any of these own developed products right now. However, the company might showcase the prototypes of these products at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo.

Hero has also formed a new joint venture with Magneti Marelli to develop new advance fueling systems for its entire bike line-up. The new entity made by a total equity injection of US$ 8.5 million as envisaged by Hero MotoCorp & Magneti Marelli in a ratio of 60:40 over a three-year period to be called HMC-MM Auto Ltd. HMC-MM Auto Ltd will help build Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems which will offer distinct advantages to the engines used in Hero’s two-wheelers such as adaptability to different working climates, altitudes, improved performance and fuel efficiency and gasoline blends. This will also help the company to cope with the reviced environmental regulations to be activated by 2015.