Discontinuing models is not exactly style of Hero.. So why? That too very new models like the Impulse, Ignitor and Maestro..
Hero enjoys a reputation among Indian customers, one of persisting models and not discontinuing them. Although technically not totally accurate (CBZ, Street, Ambition, CD100, Sleek, CD Dawn, Joy are some models which have been ceased), Hero to its credit have continued with most of its models.
But today Hero has officially shocked by making a statement (News Source: Economictimes) that it will discontinue the Impulse and the models launched post that after its partnership with Honda officially ends in 2014. The official PR speak is that such a move will be done to not having to pay royalty to Honda post 2014 for those models. The models before the Impulse (including the most important Splendor/Passion) will not be discontinued though.
My Take:
[1] It’s very difficult for me to believe that a cash rich behemoth group like Hero which have been paying royalty to a Partner like Honda for more than a quarter of a century can’t afford to pay royalty for new models like the Impulse, Ignitor & Maestro