HMSI’s surprise announcement of an all-new 160cc back in May 2014 created a lot of interest in the market and the bike has very recently been launched under the brand name of CB Unicorn 160. While Honda’s scooter portfolio is the largest seller in the country its motorcycles have not been doing as well. The new CB Unicorn 160 might rise up to the cause and give the necessary push but Honda needs more thrust if it really wants to overtake their erstwhile partner, Hero, much more that what you think…!
At the launch event of the new Unicorn 160, BikeAdvice got a chance to interact with Mr YS Guleria, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of HMSI, who revealed that the company will be launching ‘at least‘ 14 new models in India next year and this number could be even more.
The more interesting bit is here – Of these, 7 will be all new models which Honda has not been selling in India so far. Rest will be minor tweaks, refreshes and updates to their existing model line-up which will amount to at least 7 in number if not more. Wohoo… Now that’s called aggression…!
We can expect the new models to comprise of motorcycles and scooters both but considering that Honda needs to focus more on bikes, the number of new models in the motorcycles segment may be more.
But the question is which 7 new motorcycles and scooters is Honda planning? Frankly speaking we do not have many clues at this point but yes, we can talk about the ones we are aware of…
The company does have the in-line 4 cylinder CBR650F lined up for launch in India. Apart from this, the report also hints at the possibility of (yet again) the company launching the new CBR300R in India rather than the new CBR250R.
Honda had also showcased the CBR500R at the Auto Expo in February and it may or may not be launched here. Apart from that, most of the motorcycles will definitely be centered towards the more mass segments to ensure heavy volumes.
But whatever it is, the game is going to get real interesting next year….
Related: 150cc Motorcycles Oct 14 Sales Report: Yamaha Trounces Honda, Hero Last!
