Auto Expo: Companies display new products

At the start 11th Auto Expo on Thursday, world's leading car makers jostled for space eyeing the market that remains a hotspot compared to depressed Western economies. With a mix of global and local designers the exhibition has grown in stature. The event witnessed unveiling of cars by domestic companies and by global players, besides several two-wheelers by home-grown firms
 

Harley-Davidson to establish 3 more dealerships

Embarking on a mega expansion plan, bike giant Harley Davidson is adding three more dealerships this year.

“We will establish dealership in Kochi, Kolkata and Jaipur. This year will take the total dealership to ten,” Anup Prakash, MD, Harley Davidson India told TSI on the inaugural day of 11th Edition of Auto Expo.

Prakash also announced expansion of its complete knock down production to include two bikes from company’s Dyna family of motorcycles. “FXBD street bob will be available at 9.95 lakh rupees as against 13.95 lakh, while Superglide custom will be available at Rupees 11.5 lakh against 15.45 lakhs,” Prakash said.

Honda eyes leadership with Dream Yuga

Unveiling the 110cc Dream Yuga for mass market besides six other models, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is eyeing the leadership position.

Dream Yuga will hit the Indian roads in May this year.

The company is also examining whether it can introduce low bike in India as it has done in Nigeria, said Tatushiro Oyama, Global Chief Operating Officer.

Firefox keen to launch ‘School Goers’

To enhance their market strength, the leading leisure biking company, Firefox, is planning to launch ‘School Goers’.

“We will go to the schools and involve students into joys of cycling,” Shiv Inder Singh, MD Firefox bikes told TSI after showcasing new bikes priced between rupees 9,000 and 15,000.

The company has also joined hands with MTV Roadie Rannvijay to get a wider appeal.

‘BMW holds the market leadership’

Hitting hard at several Auto Expo players who invited Bollywood celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif to promote their brands, BMW Indian Chief, Andreas Schaaf, said that cars from his firm are star themselves.

Schaaf said that BMW held 43 per cent market share in 2011 as against 9 per cent in 2006. “2011 was difficult for Indian auto industry we held leadership despite difficulties,” he added. Schaaf also unveiled BMW M5 at the Auto Expo today.

“No projection for 2012, we had difficulty in 2011, but we are entering market optimism,” Schaaf said without giving any estimates for Indian market.