One bright spot for motorcycle sales

August 29, 5:43 AMSeattle Motorcycle ExaminerPhil Herring

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Honda CBF Stunner shocks Indian riders

While global motorcycles sales depress moto-executives, there's one market where Prozac is the exception rather than the rule:  India.  

Honda's Indian operation is projecting an 18% sales increase in FY 09-10, sharply contrasting double digit contraction elsewhere in the world.

The New Dehli operation, called Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, is already up 26% this fiscal year, primarily on the back of their new 125cc CBF Stunner.  In fact, motorcycles sales are up 45%  with scooters showing a 10% bump.

Sales and marketing manager Naresh Kumar Rattan told Express India, "We will foray into the mass segment by introducing a 100 cc bike by the end of this fiscal. We are also planning to roll out a few versions of our existing models."

These are real numbers too, as opposed to recent industry PR proclaiming 25% sales increases -- on local sales of 10 units.  HMSI sold more than a million bikes in 2008-2009 and is looking at expanding manufacturing capacity to 1.5 million annual units at their factory in Manesar.  

With Harley Davidson launching into India and demand climbing for bikes over 800cc, India looks like the market to watch in the coming years.

For more info: Express India has the latest moto press, financial news, and New Dehli celebrity sightings.

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