The once popular motorcycle in 125cc segment from TVS, Flame, is back now after a short break for two years. The CMD of the company said there will be a little volume of Flame to start with and probably with the twin-spark plug version, he added. Two years ago there was a dispute between TVS and Bajaj over this twin-spark plug tech for which Bajaj claimed the patent right. In the legal tussle the TVS got restriction from the court and subsequently got relief from the Supreme court through an appeal. Simultaneously the company was in the process of making Flame with single spark plug. The judgment favoring the company made it to proceed with twin spark plug.
The activities of 2009 were so challenging for TVS and it was on the moves of stabilizing its market rather on precipitating the legal issue. The production of twin spark plug Flame will commence once the existing single spark Flame lots exhaust it is understood. If it materializes then it will become the key figure for TVS to exhibit its product range- Star Max 100, Jive 110cc. of these the latter sells 8000 monthly units and the company expects to sell around 12000 units next month to be followed by 15000 units during the festival season. TVS is happy with the sale of its moped since it has become a sunset product after customers going agog for motorcycles. TVS received a 20% increase in the sale of its moped with a sale target of 65000 units this year. The growth zone is likely outside South it is learnt breaking the assumption that mopeds are pets of the South. The sale of moped increases following the need tempo from the customers across the country. if at all the moped’s sale is less then it indicates the overall dull market. TVS is more safe and comfortable with its moped sale in spite of low margins.