According Financial Express news, Hero Motocorp is planning to launch a 250cc motorcycle in the second half of 2012. This is going to become most expensive motorcycle offered by Hero Motocorp. The most exciting news about this motorcycle is that, Hero Motocrop is developing this motorcycle on its own R & D capabilities. The company currently has its R & D facilities at Gurgoan.
The news is confirmed by the sources close to the project, they also added that the company has hired four senior research & development executives from Honda Motor Co. as consultants and these Japanese consultants are involved in this project. They further added that the motorcycle will have Hero’s two traditional qualities like the newest design and a competitive price tag. Hero Motocorp did not respond to the email, sent in this regard.
Hero Motocorp this move comes in line with increasing competition between its former joint venture partner Honda Motor co. of Japan, which launched Honda CBR250R, a 250cc motorcycle earlier this year. Also, the company did not have any product in 250 cc segment where as its nearest competitor; Bajaj Auto is on verge of launching 250cc version of its flagship brand Pulsar. Currently, Bajaj Auto sells Kawasaki Ninja 250R. Beside this Yamaha India Motorcycle and Suzuki Motorcycle India may also launch 250cc motorcycles in the year 2012. It is also obvious that this segment is going to expand at brisk place in the upcoming years.
It seems that 2012 is going to become the year of performance motorcycles as we will see many launches in the performance segment. Also, the new motorcycles will be available at very competitive prices as the segment is going to see intense competition.
– Mahavir Kothari