Bajaj Auto is now world’s third largest motorcycle manufacturer

Once known for its iconic scooter Chetak, Bajaj Auto has now transformed itself into a global motorcycle manufacturer.  In the financial year 2011-12 the company sold over 3.8 million units of motorcycles worldwide which makes it world’s third largest motorcycle manufacturer.  As far as motorcycles are concerned the company is only behind to global motorcycle leader Honda and India’s largest two wheeler company Hero Motocorp.  This isn’t enough, the company is also ranks amongst the world’s most profitable automobile manufacturer.


It’s truly remarkable for the company which was once known for its bad quality and operational inefficiency.  The company now owns strong brand portfolio of motorcycles across the world.  The brand Pulsar and Discover’s cumulative sales have already crossed five million units. Discover is estimated to be the second largest selling motorcycle brand in India.  It sold nearly 1.5 million units during the financial year 2011-2012. The company exported 1.27 million units of motorcycle worldwide during the financial year 2011-2012.  Boxer is the largest selling brand in Africa and Pulsar 135 LS ranks amongst the top selling motorcycle model in various Latin American markets.


It is to be noted that Boxer competes with several Japanese and Chinese motorcycle brand in the African market.  One of the examples is Honda ACE CB125 (Honda’s $600 motorcycle).  Pulsar competes in the Latin American and South Asian market where Japanese brands are ruling the market. The company enjoys leadership position in 12 countries out of 35 countries in which it exports. Beside this, the company owns 47% stake in KTM Power Sports AG of Austria.  The company currently enjoys 10% market share of global motorcycle market and it aims to increase it up to 30% mark. The company aims to sell 4.5 million motorcycles worldwide in the financial year 2012-2013.

Most fuel efficient bikes of India across all segments

The burgeoning motorcycle segment of India is filled with a number of vehicles that are sporty, stylish and yet surprisingly fuel efficient. This focus of two wheeler manufacturers on the mileage of their bikes is due to the cost consciousness of the buyers as well as the ever-increasing prices of petrol in the country. However, in all four segments, namely 100 to 110 cc, 150 cc, 180 cc and 200+ cc, there are so many choices that consumers may not be able to select the most fuel efficient bike that fulfils their requirements.

In the entry level 100 to 110 cc segment, the latest entrant is the Honda Dream Yuga, which is said to deliver mileage of 72 kmpl under ideal testing conditions, as per the company. Its closest competitor will be the Bajaj Discover 100 cc, which is said to deliver an average of 70 kmpl. Likewise, the mileage of segment-leader Hero MotoCorp's Splendor, which comes in variants like Splendor+, Splendor NXG, Super Splendor and Splendor PRO, also hovers around 70 kmpl. Bajaj Platina is said to have class-leading mileage of 108 kmpl, which may appease those who consider fuel efficiency to the most important factor while buying a bike. Honda CB Twister may also appeal to them due to its mileage of 85.7 kmpl and attractive looks.

Next comes the 125 cc bracket, which is ruled by the likes of Hero Glamour, Bajaj Discover and Honda Stunner when sales volumes are considered. Hero's bike in this segment leads the charts in terms of fuel efficiency by running 69 kmpl, while Bajaj's offering follows closely at 68 kmpl. On the other hand, Japanese manufacturer's Stunner, which boasts of better looks than the two rivals, delivers mileage of 68.3 kmpl. Other Japanese bike makers are not far behind either, with Suzuki's Slingshot offering an average of 66 kmpl, while Yamaha's Gladiator travelling 65 km on a full tank. However, the leader in terms of mileage is the Bajaj XCD, which is said to deliver mileage of 125 kmpl under ideal conditions. The 135 cc version of Pulsar is known to offer fuel efficiency of 68.1 kmpl.

For a more powerful bike that offers decent fuel economy, consumers move towards the 150 cc segment. Yamaha SZ-R, Bajaj Discover 150, Honda Unicorn and Suzuki GS150 offer an average of 50, 55, 55 and 48 kmpl, respectively. On the other hand, mileages of Bajaj Pulsar 150 (68.1 kmpl), Hero CBZ Xtreme (65.1 kmpl), Honda Unicorn CB Dazzler (60 kmpl) and Hero Hunk (65.1 kmpl) are considerably higher. The fuel efficiency of the stylish and attractive Yamaha Fazer is close to 50 kmpl, which is similar to that of the recently upgraded TVS Apache 160. Pulsar 180 and new Apache 180 offer fuel efficiency of close to 58 kmpl and 50 kmpl, respectively.

The truly powerful bikes available in the mass market of the country are powered by 200 to 250 cc engine. Bajaj Pulsar 220 and Hero Karizma ZMR are the best known bikes in this segment and deliver mileages of 54.2 and 51 kmpl, under ideal conditions. Honda CBR 250R, on the other hand, offers paltry fuel efficiency of 30 kmpl. The cruiser bike in this market, Bajaj Avenger provides average of close to 50 kmpl, which is registered under testing conditions. All eyes will be set on the mileage of the upcoming Pulsar 200 NS, which is due to hit showrooms in Maharashtra next week, to determine the most fuel-friendly bike in this segment.

Honda Launches Dream Yuga in India

Honda Motor Co. ( HMC ) has launched the 110cc Dream Yuga in India, its cheapest motorbike ever. The move is trigged by the company's goal to double the revenues generated from motorcycles in India and to compete with the Hero MotoCorp. Limited.
The company will focus on the Indian market for the next 10 years with an expected increase in export to 150,000 motorbikes by 2013 from 111,000 bikes last year. The company expects 30% of revenues from motorcycles to be generated from India by 2020 compared with the current level of 13%.
The new bike has been priced at INR 44,642 (US$819) in the New Delhi showrooms. The company expects to sell 300,000 units of Dream Yuga in 2012.
Motor bikes are most preferred in India due to its fuel efficiency and low cost. Two-wheeler sales shot up 14% to 13.44 million units in the last fiscal year in India.
Other motorcycle makers are also expanding into the lucrative emerging markets including India. Yamaha Motor Co., for example, will start the construction of new motorcycle factory in Tamil Nadu. With this new factory, which will be operational in 2014, Yamaha will have a production capacity of 2.8 million units by 2018 in India.
Suzuki Motorcycle has also recorded an improvement in sales to 30,635 units in April 2012 compared to 29,362 units in April 2011. The company has further plans for setting up new factories which will increase the capacity of bikes in India to 1 million by 2014.
Honda Motor Company is a leading manufacturer of automobiles and the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. Honda is recognized internationally for its expertise and leadership in developing and manufacturing a wide variety of products that incorporate its efficient internal combustion engine technologies ranging from small general-purpose engines to specialty sports cars. It is the second largest automaker in Japan, following Toyota Motor Corp. ( TM ).
Honda Motor currently retains a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates into a short-term (1 to 3 months) "Buy" rating. The automaker expects a revival in sales and profits in fiscal 2013, based on higher revenues, favorable model mix and effective cost reduction measures. However, it continues to face difficulties in obtaining parts from suppliers due to disaster in Japan as well as flood in Thailand. Taking these factors into account, we currently have a long-term (more than 6 months) Neutral recommendation on the stock.

TVS 2012 New Apache RTR

Overview

TVS Motor Company today (30th April, 2012) announced the launch of its new 2012 Apache Series RTR with an all new beast themed styling. The new design, with all lines pulled back, all excesses eliminated and all curves chiseled to perfection, synergizes seamlessly with a high performance powertrain to look dynamic, even when stationary. The new design and styling has been incorporated in all TVS Apachemodels namely TVS Apache RTR 160, TVS Apache RTR 180 and TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS.

New Apache RTR 180 & new Apache RTR 160 is a cosmetic upgrade, no changes has been made to the engine and other technical specifications of the bike.  The New Apache RTR 160 and RTR 180 now features bigger tank scoops, new sticker/decals all around, all-new headlamps featuring day-time running pilot lamps plus new shades will be introduced. The RTR 180 now comes with extruded Apache emblem like the Pulsar 220 range. The new Apache RTR range also features redesigned seat, side panel, crash guard, saree guard, mudguard and footpegs.

Official Statement About 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series

“We have taken the Apache RTR to the next level with obsessive engineering and menacing design. The priority in every step of the Apache brand’s development has been race bred performance. Every system, detail and component has been tuned to maximize performance. Apache as a brand has been very well received,” H S Goindi, President-Marketing, TVS Motor Company said.

Quick List of What’s New in 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series

- Faux carbon fiber insert on the fuel tank and around the instrumentation console
- New fuel tank scoops/faux air intakes plus new graphics
- All-new redesigned seat
- New all-metal footpegs for the pillion plus pillion footpeg mounts
- Redesigned side panels and new crash guard design
- New rear mudguard and redesigned saree guard
- Blue back-lit digital plus analogue instrument cluster

Variants of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series

- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 160 (Hyoer Edge)
- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180
- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS

Engine of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series

- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 160 – 15.2 bhp – 13.1 nm
- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 – 17.03 bhp – 15.5 nm
- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS – 17.03 bhp – 15.5 nm

The engine of New TVS Apache RTR 160 (Hyper Edge) generates maxaimum power of 15.2 bhp with maximum torque of 13.1 nm. The New TVS Apache RTR 180 and 180 ABS generates maximum power of 17.03 bhp with maximum torque of 15.5 nm.

Performance Figures of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series (Top Speed)

- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 160 – 118 kmph
- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 – 124 kmph

Instrument Cluster of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series

The instrument cluster of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 & Apache RTR 160 is also untouched and is same digital plus analogue combination, the only change is that it features carbon-fiber finish around the instrument console. The digital screen is blue back-lit in shade and looks awesome.

Shades Available in 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series

- Green, Red, Yellow, Grey (Apache RTR 160 Hyper Edge)
- White, Yellow, Grey, Black (Apache RTR 180)
- White, Black (Apache RTR 180 ABS)

The new TVS Apache RTR 160 (Hyper Edge) comes in four dual tone colours, namely Green, Red, Yellow and Grey with black being the base. The new TVS Apache RTR 180 also comes in four colours of White, Yellow, Grey and Black while the ABS version is available in White and Black.

Price of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR Series

- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 160 (Hyper Edge) – Rs. 67,500.00
- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 – Rs. 72,000.00
- 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS – Rs. 82,800.00

TVS Apache Series RTR is immediately available in TVS dealerships across the country. While the TVS Apache RTR 160 will cost Rs. 67,500 (Ex showroom Delhi), TVS Apache RTR 180 will be Rs. 72,000 (Ex showroom Delhi) and TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS will cost Rs. 82,800 (Ex showroom Delhi).

Technical Highlights of 2012 New TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS

Anti-lock Braking System technology is an integration of a HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) and Independent Wheel Speed Sensors which help determine when a wheel is likely to get locked. When the brakes are applied hard, the wheel tends to lock. At this point, the HECU takes over instantaneously and modulates the brake pressure continuously to keep the Apache RTR 180 ABS in the most effective braking zone while ensuring precise maneuvers.

Sensors on the front and rear wheels independently monitor the speed of rotation at all times and can sense the risk of wheel lock whenever the brakes are applied. If the sensors communicate an impending wheel lock, the HECU modulates the braking pressure and prevents it, therefore reducing the risk of the rider losing control of his Apache. When the ignition is turned ‘ON’, the Apache RTR 180 ABS does an automatic self-check, which is indicated by the blinking of an LED on the console and the speed sensors monitor the wheel speed and send signals continuously to the HECU.

The Apache RTR ABS is also equipped with Rear Wheel Lift-off Protection (RLP) system which regulates deceleration when the bike is likely to lift off during emergency braking situations and takes over control, with no loss of stopping distance. With the RLP system continuously monitoring and controlling the braking, the bike gives the best stopping performance. The bike comes with an ‘ABS-Off’ switch, which disables the ABS technology, enabling the rider to showcase his capabilities on the Apache RTR, in controlled conditions. In an effort to enhance the ‘thrill of biking’ in the TVS Apache RTR 180, the company has fitted the bike with an all-new 3 phase Full DC lighting system and an efficient energy management system.