Earlier, we had reported that Honda Motor Corporation of Japan is developing $600 (4000 Yuan) motorcycle. It was also reported that the motorcycle will be built and sold in China and later it will be introduced it in Nigeria and Latin America. Honda has kept it promise; it has launched Ace CB125 in Nigeria at the price of 100,000 Naira (Nigerian local currency) which is around 4,000 Yuan, $627 and Rs. 31,000 as per the latest foreign exchange rates. As the motorcycle is built in China, Honda has managed to keep the price in check of 4,000 Yuan, which is a tremendous achievement concerning last one year spike hike in commodities prices.
According to Honda press release, Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Ltd., a motorcycle production and sales subsidiary of Honda in Nigeria has launched two models namely Ace CB125 and Ace CB125-D in Nigeria.
Both the motorcycles have a 125 cc engine and are developed as a part of the strategy of low price, small sized motorcycle models for newly emerging markets with focus on ease of handling, fuel efficiency, performance and durability while leveraging Honda’s global network to increase cost competitiveness.
Honda Ace CB125cc has basic and retro look, round headlight, a wide, long and utmost comfortable seat, highly durable, reliable and most practical 125cc engine, enhance load carrying capacity and an affordable price tag of 100,000 Naira. Honda has christened this motorcycle as “bike taxi” (an inexpensive and convenient means of mobility for people in Nigeria). Honda Ace CB 125-D has same features of CB125cc but it looks more stylish due to it’s stylish headlight and look. This model is designed for a wide range of customers other than bike taxis. For both of these models, Honda has annual sales target of 1,00,000 units in Nigeria. To increase sales of these models in African region, it will be introduced in other African nations in a phased manner.
There are total 4 million two wheelers sold in Africa out of which Nigeria accounts around 1.5 million units. It is an important, promising and rapidly growing two wheeler market. Currently, Nigerian two wheeler market is largely dominated by Chinese manufacturer and Bajaj Boxer. Bajaj’s Boxer has a very strong brand name and it commands brand premium over Chinese model in Nigeria. Both Chinese and Indian manufacturer will now have tough fight from Honda.
Although, Honda has not said anything about launch of these models in India, It may possible that we will see these motorcycles as a rival of Boxer 150 cc and Splendour 125cc in near future.
– Mahavir Kothari
