Yamaha to display two models at Auto Expo

Motorcycle maker Yamaha will showcase two new models at the Auto Expo 2004 to be conducted in New Delhi from January 15 to 20. Both these models will hit the roads later in the year.

"We will showcase two of our new offerings at the Auto Expo and they will be launched during the course of the year," said an official at Yamaha, refusing to divulge details about the models.

Yamaha currently manufactures bikes in the 105-132 cc range. It is yet to make a debut in the high-powered (above 150 cc) bikes segment. Industry observers, though, are sure both offering will be in the entry segment in keeping with Yamaha's existing product portfolio.

Sources close to the development revealed that one of the two bikes will be launched at the Auto Expo itself but officials at Yamaha refused to confirm.

Yamaha's last bike launch was the 106 cc Libero in October 2002.

The company has also launched a variant of the Crux (105 cc) which has been its best selling offering.

Yamaha, whose traditional strength has been the entry segment, witnessed a 24.5 per cent fall in their sales last month. The company is now looking at consolidating its position in the 75-125 cc market.

The Auto Expo will see some action with Bajaj showcasing the prototypes of their five new scooters which will be launched over the next three years.

TVS Motors also confirmed their participation in the Auto Expo where they will showcase their long-awaited TVS Centra. TVS hasn't yet decided on a launch date for the bike.