 Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd (SMIPL) has launched the GS 150R, a 150 cc motorcycle in the premium segment that will cost Rs 67,400.
Mr. Anand Singh Thakur, Zonal Head (South and West), said, "The bike will help the company get into the growth mode better since the 150-cc segment has been growing steadily. Initially, it hopes to sell around 5,000 units a month, which will help it notch a 10 per cent market share in the 150-cc bike segment."
The company has launched two bikes `Heat` and `Zeus` and a gearless scooter `Access` in the 125-cc segment since its inception three years ago. About 70 per cent of the sales come from Access and the rest is contributed by the two bikes. Overall, the company has a market share of 1.25 per cent.
Suzuki is expecting to end this fiscal by selling 1.75 lakh vehicles, utilising the full capacity of its plant. Last year, it sold 1.1 lakh units. It will invest about Rs 150 crore in the next three years to expand capacity. Within six months, the capacity will be increased to 2.5 lakh and at the end of third year to four lakh units. This includes doubling production of Access from 8,000 units a month now as the vehicle has a waiting period up to three months.
Last year, the company sold about 75,000 units of Heat and Zeus. It hopes to maintain the sales this year since the 125-cc bike segment is one of the worst hit in the slowdown.
The company has tied up with Allahabad Bank to offer finance for boosting sales. Last month, it signed a similar agreement with Corporation Bank. It is in talks with a couple of nationalised banks.
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Posted On : 19 Feb 09
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