The sale of two wheelers in last year, an estimated 10 million, may see 20% rise this year, to 12 million it is projected. The major contribution would be from the combined sale volume of the top most company Hero Honda and its sibling Honda Motorcycle & Scooters India. Their presence will be dominant with 55% with the sale of 6.5 million units and Bajaj Auto will make it second with more than 3.5 million units. The third largest contribution will be from TVS with 2 million units and the global makers like Suzuki and Yamaha will share a substantial volume. The increase is noted as a remarkable feat in two wheeler segment, which may push China to lag behind, said the sources.
The close rivalry between Hero Honda and Bajaj makes the race much more interesting, as Hero Honda is gaining momentum with its sale figure of 5million units and Bajaj is relying largely on its Discover to counter Hero Honda’s Passion and Splendor (1.7 lakh units) ranges.
Bajaj is getting a sale volume of Discover 100 and 150 at 1.5 monthly units each and is on the move to make it 2 million before this fiscal, as they have already eliminate Passion from the top position. Bajaj is focusing its shift on sports model of Pulsar which has been drawing a sale of 80000 units per month. TVS is depending on its latest launch Jive auto-clutch bike and its scooter Wego. TVS has set a target of 2 million units for this fiscal and is on the verge of increasing it further. The company is silently reviving its position in the two wheeler sector.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is aiming for 1.5 million units through its Activa dominating the overall sale volume. Though it has good brands in motorcycle, nothing worth volume is yielding as of now. Amidst these sale figures, there has been speculation over rift and departing of Honda from the tie-up with Hero group. If that happens, then HMSI will go for top-end bikes of its own make and will counter the move of Hero Splendor and Passion, it is expected. Observers see that such a split would materialize only after two years, before which Hero will sure to stabilize its position in the segment. And the real fight will be between Hero and Bajaj so that only time will decide the winner in this race.