Country’s largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp on Wednesday showcased five new products including a concept diesel scooter. “We would launch updated versions of the Karizma, ZMR, Xtreme and the Pleasure scooter in March 2014,” said Hero Motocorp Managing Director and CEO Pawan Munjal after showing five products.
Hero had showcased 15 products in October 2013 out of which 11 have already been launched. “Diesel bike, which is code named ‘RNT’, would be launched only after doing complete market research,” added Munjal. Power comes from a high torque 150cc diesel, with optional turbocharger, so the RNT can muster all roads fully loaded, Munjal added.
The optional removable lED lamp in front of the dash can be unclipped and re-aimed to light up wherever one wants to and can carry on into the night. Besides the hybrid scooter, a 250cc sport bike, 110cc scooter and 150cc bike are the new models. “RNT, leap (hybrid scooter) and 250 cc bike HXR250R are completely new products, while Dash (110cc scooter) and Xtreme Sports (150cc bike) models are based on existing platforms,” informed Munjal .
“We plan to launch 150cc Xtreme Sports bike in the first quarter, 110cc scooter Dash in the second quarter and leap and 250cc sports bike in the second half of the next fiscal,” he said. After separation from its Japansese partner Honda, Hero MotoCorp has taken global two-wheeler market by surprise by developing products which are considered ahead of time.
“These kind of products show our hunger for more better products. These products show we can surprise global two-wheeler market,” added Munjal. Speaking on the hybrid leap, with both petrol as well electric engine, Munjal said the company would first launch the vehicle in western markets and then bring it to India. “The hybrid scooter will have a range of around 340 kms on one single charge and a tank full...The scooter’s range is better than any electric vehicle,” Munjal said.
Hero MotoCorp Senior Vice President (Marketing and Sales) Anil Dua said the company has already completed the launch of 11 models of the 15 models it had showcased in October 2013. “We have already launched 11 models during the last quarter and the remaining four would be launched in the current (Jan-March) quarter,” Dua said.