Yamaha R3 Becomes Indian Motorcycle Of The Year (IMOTY) 2015

The newly launched entry-level-performance motorcycle- Yamaha YZF-R3 has won the title of Indian Motorcycle Of The Year (IMOTY) 2016. On the other hand, Hyundai Creta became the Indian Car Of The Year 2016.

Organised by JK Tyre and Industries Ltd, the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) and the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) are the recognition of the finest and best-performing motorcycle and car launched in the last one year. Over the years, these awards have earned the respect of the auto industry for their transparency and objectivity and are the final say on the best launches of the year. 

Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, Bob Rupani, Chairman ICOTY 2016 and Aspi Bhathena, Chairman, IMOTY 2016, presented the Indian Car of the Year trophy to the team of Hyundai Motor India Ltd. and the Indian Motorcycle of the Year trophy to theYamaha Motor Company on behalf of the esteemed jury of IMOTY 2016.

Congratulating the winners, Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited said, “The automobile and auto-ancillary sector in India is growing at a fast pace. The consumer is ever-discerning and automakers seek to outperform each other. In such a competitive environment, JK Tyre and ICOTY & IMOTY Awards endeavour to recognise those who break the clutter with their innovation and deep understanding of the Indian consumer. Congratulations to Hyundai Creta and Yamaha R3 for sailing through the rigorous judging process and emerging victorious.”

"We launched Yamaha YZF-R3 in August 2015 and the responses that we have been receiving is indeed most positive and encouraging. We understand the needs of our customers and therefore pay great attention to details in our products in terms of styling and design. This win too, is awe-inspiring, thank you IMOTY Jury members and JK Tyre” - Roy Kurian, Vice President-Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd.

Mr Aspi Bhatena, Chairman, IMOTY 2016 commented on the winning motorcycle, “IMOTY 2016 has been one of the toughest awards for the Jury in the last eight years as we had lot of very good motorcycles launched during 2015 but most of them were priced on the high side unlike 2014 where the Harley Davidson street 750 was priced at 4.5 lakhs. Last but not the least I would like to thank JK Tyres for their unconditional support for the last eight years.”

The top three contenders for the IMOTY 2016 turned out to be Yamaha R3, Benelli TNT 300 and Honda CBR650 respectively. The nominated motorcycles were judged on various parameters such as price, fuel economy, styling, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, and technical innovation, value for money and suitability for Indian riding conditions, and the new Yamaha R3 proven as a real champion on all the parameters.

Past winners of the IMOTY are Harley Davidson Street 750 (2015), Royal Enfield Continental (2014), KTM Duke 200 (2013), Honda CBR 250R (2012), Honda CB Twister (2011), Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2010), Yamaha R15 (2009), Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi (2008).