The KVT scooter was exported from the country to Japan for testing purposes and could be produced at the upcoming scooter-only facility.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has dominated the scooter segment in the country for over a decade now with offerings like the Activa, Dio and Aviator. Despite the advent of new arrivals in the segment over the years, the demand for Honda scooters has been undeterred especially with the country’s most selling Activa 110 going on to break milestones month-after-month. With more manufacturers making their presence felt in the scooter space, Honda wants to strengthen its arsenal in the segment and has commenced work on a new scooter codenamed ‘KVT’ that was recently exported to Japan.
Export data suggests that Honda India shipped the KVT scooter in November last year to Japan for testing purpose on returnable basis. It is a known fact that Honda does not test its vehicles in India and instead sends it to the international markets for testing. Hence, we expect the scooter to complete a full circle of testing and come back later this year for launch. At present, nothing is known about the KVT scooter including the engine displacement or segment but it could be the next generation Dio as sales of this youth oriented scooter has stagnated.
With the scooter market growing exponentially, manufacturers are eyeing the bigger 150cc space that is expected to be the next big thing in scooters. While Honda has a 150cc scooter in the pipeline, the two-wheeler maker also has commenced work on the next generation Activa codenamed ‘ON2Y’ that was recently imported into the country after a series of testing. Another possibility could be of the KVT scooter not being sold in the domestic market. Honda is building the world’s largest scooter manufacturing plant in Gujarat and the upcoming scooter could be produced here, restricted to exports alone.
It has been a relatively easy affair for Honda to hold on to its position in the scooter space; however, if the competition manages to offer something better, Honda’s customer base won’t take long in changing sides. Expect more details to emerge once the KVT scooter completes its series of testing.
Source – Zauba.com
