Hero MotoCorp Launches Ignitor. Upcoming in Q2, 2012 – Passion X-Pro?

There were very few Indian companies that really made proper use of the Auto Expo that happened early this year in the capital. One among those few was the Hero MotoCorp. Though there’re many things that come to the mind when people think of the HMC stall, for me it’s that matte black Hunk that was showcased. I literally stood there for 10 minutes admiring her. Trust me guys, by the word ‘HER’, I mean the Hunk and the Hunk only. Do not think wild!

There were 3 new models that were kept on display viz, Maestro, Ignitor and the Passion X-Pro besides the concept hybrid scoot – Leap. The Maestro was already launched and the company now launches its 125cc motorbike – The Ignitor. The Ignitor falls under the ‘Deluxe’ segment of bikes in HMC’s basket which includes bikes from 100cc to 225cc.

The company already has 2 other bikes in the 125cc segment which are the Super Splendor and the Glamour. This launch increases the count to three. 125cc segment has seen rapid growth over years owing to its ideal position between commuter bikes and the sporty 150ccc bikes. To add on, they also offer decent fuel efficiency which marks its rise on a northward trend.

There’s a just been a month’s gap between the company’s previous launch – Maestro and the present Ignitor. It becomes necessary for the company to come up with new models to be a part of the number game that Indian two–wheeler makers are currently facing.

The Ignitor is launched in 2 variants – the basic one being without disc brakes and the other one with front disc. While the former model is priced at INR 55,900 the latter one bears an additional 2 grand hike at INR 56,900. Note that both the prices are Ex – Showroom, Delhi.

The Ignitor comes with the power of new generation 125 cc ATFT engine which offers a peak power output of 11PS at 8000rpm. The sporty looking bike is loaded with impressive features that include digital-analog combo meter console, stylish split seat, classy front cowl, striking trapezoidal headlight, dazzling tail light, adjustable rear shock-absorbers, body-coloured rear grip and dual tone rear view mirrors.

Mr. Anil Dua, Sr. Vice President (Marketing & Sales), Hero MotoCorp said, “Every new launch of Hero MotoCorp flows from a clear strategy to further consolidate its leadership position across segments. With “Ignitor”, we aim to bolster our presence in the growing deluxe segment. It combines sturdiness and superior technology with contemporary style and yet comes with an attractive price tag. We are confident that with such an irresistible package, Ignitor would definitely appeal across the young adult segments.”

The company would take the Stunner from the stables of Honda, the SS125 from Yamaha and the Shine, again from Honda head on as its narrow faced rivals.

The Ignitor comes in a set of four exciting colour schemes which are Pearl White, Sports Red, Vibrant Blue and Panther Black Metallic.

HMCL tries appealing the young population of India with its Glamour as the most attractive bike with its ‘Simply Magnetic’ positioning, while Super Splendor has its own loyal customer base as the strong and reliable functional bike offering decent FE figures in return.

HMCL on Monday reported its best-ever quarterly sales, riding on two consecutive months of record sales. With sales of 5,34,091 units in the month of June, HMCL’s cumulative sales for the first quarter (April-June) of this financial year (2012-13) clocked 16,42,292 units – its highest-ever sales in any single quarter. The company had sold 5,56,644 two-wheelers in May, its highest-ever monthly sales, surpassing its previous highest of 5,51,557 units, recorded only the previous month (April’12). The company had sold 15,29,577 units in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year (2011-12).

The month of June also marks the 11th successive month of five lakh-plus unit sales for HMCL, which highlights the company’s robust performance since embarking on its solo journey just over a year ago.

HMCL recently announced it’s largest-ever investment of over Rs 2500 crore in setting up new plants, expanding capacity at the existing plants and in building an integrated R&D centre. The company announced its plans to set up two new plants – at Neemrana in Rajasthan and in Gujarat. The company will also be soon setting up an integrated state-of-the-art Technology/R&D centre spread over 250 acres at Kukas, Jaipur in Rajasthan, which is going to be the largest two – wheeler R&D centre in the country.

Anyways the bike has to be the Passion X-Pro. We’ll soon get in touch with our readers on updates regarding the next launch.

Regards,
Naren.
Team BikeAdvice.