4 Feb 2011, 2 Wheeler Sales India

February 2011 sales numbers of our Indian 2 wheeler manufacturers..

The Feb 2011 sales numbers doesn't throw in any surprises.. with Hero Honda at number one position followed by Bajaj Auto, TVS and HMSI respectively, it's double digit growth for all manufacturers.

Note:

1. The monthly sales figures include domestic sales as well as exports. Also it includes sales of all types of 2 wheelers (Motorcycles, Scooters, Mopeds etc.)

18 Can't undertand Mr. Bajaj's Pulsar/Discover/Boxer strategy? Read this..

You must have definitely heard Mr. Rajiv Bajaj's brand strategy to focus more on Discover & Pulsar and less on the parent Bajaj brand.. but do you really understand him..??

It was sometime in April 2010 (when I was on my annual vacation to my native) when Mr. Rajiv Bajaj (MD Bajaj Auto) made an official announcement that soon the product brands "Discover" and "Pulsar" would become independent brands and the parent Bajaj brand would take a back seat.

Imagine for Mr. Rajiv... "Bajaj" is actually his family name..!!

Needless to say, Mr. Bajaj's statement stunned everyone. The usual questions were: So would it be Pulsar Motorcycles? Discover Motorcycles? In fact even till date not many seasoned business analysts and journalists have exactly understood.. why..??

After going through many of the interviews which Mr. Bajaj has given to the (puzzled) media, let me try to put forward whatever that I have understood..

9 TVS Apache RTR 180 with ABS launched

TVS Officially launches ABS (Antilock Braking Systems) on its Apache RTR 180 model.. but are you buying it..??

TVS Motor and the Indian 2 wheeler industry reaches another milestone today as TVS Motor officially launched its ABS (Antilock Braking System) which it has co-developed with Continental AG Germany.

Price: According to SunilG of xBhp who attended the official event, the price for the ABS variant of the Apache RTR 180 is 78,880 (ex showroom Delhi). This makes it around Rs. 9,000-10,000 dearer to the non ABS (normal) Apache RTR 180 variant.

"Jo Alag Dhikhta hai, Woh bikta hai..!!"

I know it’s sad but true

To differentiate the Apache RTR 180 ABS variant, it will be available only in the white color with orange colored "RTR" branding on the tank flap/extension. The tank flap also gets "ABS" lettering on it. Apart from that, the rest of the bike is exactly same.

Even in terms of performance, the Apache RTR 180 is exactly same with 17.02 Ps Peak power @ 8500 rpm and 15.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm. But the kerb weight is going to increase by 4-5 Kgs as I had read somewhere that this particular ABS kit puts an extra 4-5 kgs on the bike.


Why ABS?:

3 Pulsar 220F “The Fastest Indian” lands in Indonesia

Pulsar 220F DTS-i is launched in Indonesia..

Indonesia is the world's 3'rd largest 2 wheeler market after China and India. Both Bajaj and TVS has been present in Indonesia for some years now. 90% of the Indonesian market is primarily dominated by Step Thru models and Automatic Scooters. The remaining 10% comprises of a niche but vibrant community of motorcycle riders.

Bajaj already sells the Pulsar 135LS and the Pulsar 180 in Indonesia. Enthusiastic Indonesian motorcycle riders have been expecting the Pulsar 220F for sometime now. To their delight the Pulsar 220F DTS-i model has finally been launched in Indonesia.

On 8'th & 9'th (today) March, test ride of the Pulsar 220F is being provided to prominent Indonesian auto journalists and automotive bloggers. Posted below are some images from the ongoing event from the Sentul International Circuit at Bogor Indonesia.

The Pulsar 220F has been very aggressively priced at 18.6 Million Rupiahs (about Rs. 93,000 approx.). Models like the Yamaha Byson (Indian FZ-16) retails for around 20 Million Rupiahs in Indonesia.

4 Handcrafted in Chennai. Wow..!!

A beautiful video on what makes Royal Enfield special..

"Buddha on Two Wheels".. that's what I visualize of myself the day I decide to settle for a Royal Enfield.

It's not about owing the fastest set of two wheels.. nor is it about riding the most reliable or flashy piece of machinery. There will always be something faster, something more reliable, something flashier waiting for you round the corner.

Biking Nirvana is about being at peace with someone as special as you.. and with something as special as your bike.

Royal Enfield has recently posted a video titled "Handcrafted in Chennai" on Youtube. Without speaking even a single word, the video leaves a lingering impression. The 2 min 24 sec video is almost therapeutic for a "desi" biker looking for that inner peace.

I hope the guys behind the "O Suzuki Slingshot TVC" takes a look at this video posted below. Because this is how you build a brand into a cult.