India Auto Expo brings new bikes, news
This week marked the start of India’s Auto Expo 2012, and several motorcycle OEMs were on hand unveiling new bikes and announcing their future plans for the country.
Suzuki Motorcycles India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corp., announced it plans to invest 1 billion rupees ($18 million) to expand its production capacity through 2013, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. With its expansion, Suzuki expects to have the capacity to produce 540,000 units by the end of 2013, an increase from the 360,000 motorcycles produced now.
Yamaha also introduced its expansion plans, with a goal to triple its production capacity in India by March 2013. Yamaha will invest 8 billion rupees ($151 million) to raise its motorcycle and scooter capacity from 330,000 units to 1 million units, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.
Several models were also introduced to the Indian market, according to blog IndianCarsBikes.com:
- Honda showed seven new or updated models, including the refreshed Dio 110 Motoscooter and the new Dream Yuga 110, CB1000RR and VT13000CS.
- Triumph India launched seven motorcycles new to the Indian market, which will be available in mid-2012.
- Ducati unveiled its Monster 795, a low-cost alternative to the popular Monster.
- Suzuki introduced the Hayate, a 110cc motorcycle, and the Swish 125, a 125cc scooter.
- Yamaha showed its first scooter in the Indian market, the Ray, which will be targeted toward women.
- India-based Royal Enfield unveiled its Thunderbird 500, which is expected to be available at the end of 2012.
- India’s Hero MotoCorp introduced three new models, the Passion X-Pro, the Ignitor 125 and the Maestro 110 scooter.
India’s Auto Expo 2012 continues through Wednesday.
