Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL) has reported its highest despatch figure ever, continuing to be the world’s largest two wheeler manufacturer. Even though the entire market has been facing a downturn, Hero has been going from pillar to post registering ground breaking figures month after month.
The company registered a growth of three per cent, selling 62,45,895 units of two-wheelers during the financial year 2013-14 as compared to 60,75,583 in the financial year 2012-13.
Hero, which had entered a deep slumber after their partnership with Honda ended, has suddenly woken up, it seems and has charged the market by showcasing some really exciting products – The 150cc ‘ZIR’, the 125cc ‘DARE’, the eye popping 31PS single cylinder HX250R, the iON and simplEcity, and a concept diesel powered two wheeler RNT. And most importantly the 620cc Hastur naked which was showcased at the Auto Expo and which has a lot of us mind-boggled!
The company plans to meet with the increasing demand by initiating production at their facility in Neemrana, Alwar, Rajasthan. Hero has apparently sold 5,24,028 units in March’14. This is a growth of 11.9% over the corresponding month in 2013 when the company had sold 4,68,283 units. In the month of March, Hero MotoCorp also launched the Splendor iSmart and a few other commuters.
Significant Achievements of Hero
The key achievements of the company in the last financial year have been:
- Hero showcased a series of upgrades and variants of existing platforms (2014 Karizma & ZMR, HF Dawn, HF Deluxe, HF Deluxe Eco, Splendor Pro, Super Splendor, Passion Pro, Glamour and Glamour F1).
- The company expanded its global footprint by launching its products in Central America and South America, Africa and Asia, most recently in Turkey.
- Hero also set up international assembly units in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda in East Africa.
- The company also launched its retail finance arm called Hero FinCorp.
- They formed a strategic joint venture with MagnetiMarelli to develop and manufacture new generation fuelling systems.
- Hero also made it’s first-ever equity investment in an overseas firm by purchasing a 49.2 per cent equity at Erik Buell Racing (EBR) for 149 crore rupees (US$ 25 million).
With the recent advancements it gets absolutely crystal clear that the company will not let anyone take them for granted. But with the erstwhile partner Honda coming closer each day, there hangs a real challenge for Hero to continue the dominance!
