At a time when auto makers are looking at downsizing production and sales targets in world markets, Japanese two-wheeler maker, Yamaha, is increasing production in India and plans to focus on the domestic market as its priority.
The company has seen a turnaround in demand for its bikes with the launch of two new models last year. Despite the on-road prices of the two new models R15 and FZ16 being on the premium side, ranging from Rs 76,000 to Rs 1.15 lakh, its total sales have grown by more than 16 per cent during the April-November period.
As of today, over 70 per cent of Yamaha India’s sales at 98,394 units as of November-end, constitute of the two models, with 80 per cent of the buyers being Bajaj’s Pulsar customers.
Yukimine Tsuji, managing director and CEO, India Yamaha Motor, said, “Globally we have 25 per cent market share but in India we have just 4 per cent. According to our chairman (Mitsuru Umemura), the focus will be India. It’s has become our first priority. We want the customers to understand how much we have changed.”
On the back of a robust demand for its bikes, the company has brought forward its targeted market share of 10 per cent of the Indian two-wheeler market to this year as against the earlier set target of 2010.
It is even exploring the possibility of fully-developing motorbikes in India and reduce its dependence on Japan for research and development (R&D) activities.
“Five years from now, we will be a very different company. We are introducing many technical changes (in the bikes) at our Indian facility. Indian engineers can help build bikes in the future,” said Tsuji.
The company, which was quiet on new launches about a year back, said that it is looking at a variety of models, currently sold in some of the international markets, suitable for India. It will be launching two new models this year, which will include renovation of existing models also.