Yamaha Will Not Launch New Models In 100-125 cc Segment; To Focus On Premium Motorcycles

Yamaha will not launch any new motorcycles in the 100-125 cc space, not in the near future, despite those segments generating maximum volume. Ravinder Singh, senior vice president, sales & marketing, Yamaha Motor India confirmed the same to another publication in an interaction. Yamaha will focus squarely on the scooters that are 125 cc and above and motorcycles that are 150 cc and above, with special focus on motorcycles in the 300 cc+ segment. Despite the volumes that the 100-125 cc segment generates, which is almost 80 per cent of total motorcycle sales, Yamaha is not keen on getting into price and volumes wars with established players like Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Bajaj Auto and TVS.

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Ravinder Singh said that the current Yamaha customers are youngsters who seek performance and style. Customers in the 100-125 cc segment seek utility. It doesn't align with Yamaha India Motor's direction of premium two-wheelers and aspirational products that focus on performance and sharp design. Yamaha is internally evaluating few models in the 300 cc+ segment. Now, this could mean Yamaha launching its middleweight models like the Tenere 700, MT-07, R7 and the likes.

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For the longest time, Yamaha has stayed clear of launching its globally successful premium models in India, that could change in the coming years. But therein lies the challenge of offering premium models laden with performance and technology at decent pricing, which will be crucial for the company to redraw its India-specific strategy.

Yamaha will continue to manufacture commuter motorcycles in India, but for export markets. In fact, Yamaha exports to about 50 countries from India to markets in Latin America, Africa, Europe and ASEAN countries. In addition to plans of offering premium models, Yamaha also plans to overhaul its operations in India, from manufacturing plants to showrooms, in a bid to look premium and offer premium services to its customers.

Source: ET Auto