Honda Motorcycles plans to get into the 100cc segment with the launch of a 100cc bike. The Japanese automaker plans to increase its sales across the country tremendously through this mass produced motorcycle, which it aims to sell in the rural markets. This 100cc motorcycle will be a new version of the CD platform, which accounts for half of the sales for Hero MotoCorp. Honda also commenced the operation by appointing a five strong management team for creating a decentralized marketing structure.
The CD platform is owned by Honda and Hero jointly. However Honda plans to launch its 100cc bike with a fresh design and improved engine to attract the youth in rural India. Hero MotoCorp’s claim on the CD brand exists till 2014 only, after which they are on their own. On one end, Bajaj Auto is launch 150cc bikes for the rural markets, while on the other Honda is betting on 100cc machines. Certainly, rural India will be spoilt for choice soon with motorcycle manufacturers making rural specific models to boost sales. Will Yamaha also develop a bike targeted towards the rural markets?
