Honda to launch new bike in 100cc segment

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India’s (HMSI) planning to launch new bike in entry-level 100 cc bike segment that might be a trump card for Japan’s Honda Motor Co to capture more share of the Indian two-wheeler market. The new Honda bike is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000. Two days back Honda launched the upgraded version of its most popular 125cc bike CBF Stunner to make its presence stronger in the Indian two-wheeler market.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) President and CEO Shinji Aoyama said, "We are working on to launch a completely new bike in 100cc segment by the end of this financial year. It will be priced little bit higher than other 100cc bikes in the market now, but it will not be higher priced than the 125cc bikes. The new 100cc bike might be priced at around Rs 40,000 - Rs 45,000."

He added that the new 100cc bike would not 'cannibalise' Hero Honda's products.

"We are not aiming to make big business there (in the 100cc segment) but we want to satisfy people who want Honda products at that price," Aoyama said.

In India, the 100cc bike market is dominated by Hero Honda, which is a joint venture between Japanese auto major Honda and Munjals-promoted Hero Group. Few days back, HMSI announced that they will invest Rs 300 crore by the next three years to expand its manufacturing facilities, besides launching new models.

On 26th May, HMSI launched the upgraded version of its 125cc stylish bike -- CBF Stunner, priced at Rs 64,630 (ex-showroom, Delhi).