With constant decline in commuter motorcycle segment in India, many companies are exiting the segment.
Suzuki may exit the commuter segment in India and focus on the higher displacement premium motorcycles. Following the footsteps of Yamaha, Suzuki is shifting its focus on the 150cc and upwards market. The company will contribute to the bikes with a price of more than Rs. 1 lakh and bigger engine displacement than 150cc.
Officials at the company have mentioned that their new strategy will include the production of products above 150cc. Suzuki has no intentions to contribute in the commuter segment of motorcycles and all their new products, starting from the Gixxer SF, will be placed in a higher category. The company aims to satiate the aspirational needs of its customers, rather than their functional needs.
The company in the short run would look to provide the market with a reasonable alternative to the Bajaj Pulsar 220F and Yamaha Fazer 25. They will market their products towards the young and urban crowd. This is due to the fact that the network of 50 percent out of 500 dealerships of the brand is based in metro or tier 1 cities.
All the products the Japanese manufacturer has launched in the last one year fits in the performance category. The company will introduce more and more products higher up in the price range and with bigger engines too. Two products will be launched every year in scooter and bike segments and engine specs will be upwards than what is offered now. The company will approach the segment of customers who want to upgrade their bikes. Suzuki also wants to have an increased play in cruiser bikes.
Suzuki Commuter Segment
– Suzuki Hayate, Zeus, Slingshot, etc. will be discontinued soon
– The new strategy will phase out bikes below 150cc
– Suzuki wants to increase its involvement in cruiser bikes
Source – TimesOfIndia.com
