Yamaha is aiming to capture a larger chunk of the commuter motorcycle space in India and will also launch the 125cc Saluto that will help the brand strengthen its position further in the country.
After shifting its focus to the scooter space in recent years, Yamaha India is now making a comeback in the motorcycle segment and plans to increase its market share in the commuter motorcycle space. The FZ maker has a strong following in the 150cc and above segment but has been a dud seller in the 100-125cc space as compared to the stalwarts, Hero MotoCorp and Honda in India. Nonetheless, Yamaha is planning two major products with the upcoming Saluto 125 while the manufacturer most recently also imported an 110cc motorcycle for R&D purpose.
Yamaha currently retails the YBR 110cc motorcycle in the country and the new model could be a potential replacement to the same. The other possibility could be of an all-new model replacing the YBR entirely sporting a new design language and better power output. In either case, the upcoming 110cc offering will be competing against the best sellers, Hero Passion Pro and Honda Dream Series models in the country. Coming to the Yamaha Saluto, the model was most recently spied in a production-ready guise and will be locking horns against the Hero Glamour 125, Honda Shine, TVS Phoenix 125 and the likes.
Apart from its commuter offerings, Yamaha also has its new flagship 2015 R1 scheduled for launch in India this year that will be brought in via the CBU route while the highly awaited YZF-R3 will also hit the streets in the second half of the year to take on the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and KTM RC 390. The company is also working on an extremely affordable 100cc commuter motorcycle codenamed ‘Indra’ that will come with a starting price of Rs. 30,000/- and is currently under development.
Source – Zauba.com