Honda's Alwar plant to be started by 2nd Half of 2011

Honda Motorcycle & Scooters India (HMSI) has claimed that its new production plant in Rajasthan would be commenced by second half of 2011. The company has recently collaborated with Rajasthan government to establish a new two-wheeler manufacturer plant at Tapukara Industrial Area in Alwar district. Shinji Aoyama, President and Chief Executive Officer of HMSI, said,"The company will invest a capital of Rs. 500 crore at Tapukara plant. HMSI expects to get a production capacity of 6 lakh units in the first phase from our new facility. HMSI, a unit of Japanese Honda Motor Co Ltd, which has appeared as the third largest motorcycle seller in the country beating TVS Motors. Japanese auto major has already invested Rs. 1,000 crore in its Indian arm, he said. The company wants to increase its motorcycle sales more than scooters by Financial year 2012. On the other hand, Honda will also expect to stay its leadership in the scooters segment. Honda Motor has recently launched a new version of Honda Unicorn in the 150cc segment. The new version is named as Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler. After official launch, it is introduced in Mumbai a couple of days back. It is available at Rs. 62,900 (ex-showroom Delhi). Honda CB Dazzler is such a muscular bike in India that it might beat others in its class. According to the price range of the new version of Unicorn will directly compete against Yamaha FZ16, Hero Honda Hunk and Bajaj Pulsar. HMSI aims to get a market share in the 150c segment, which is presently achieved the Bajaj Pulsar. The company expects that the new CB Unicorn Dazzler will help to get a good number of market share in the premium segment. HMSI is intending to sell 1.2 lakh vehicles of the Unicorn series in this current fiscal. Indian two-wheeler market for the premium segment is presently stable at that 11.5 units per annum. Apart from that launch, Bajaj Auto has also launched its new premium segment Discover 150cc bike in the Indian auto market on 10th May, 2010.