Hero MotoCorp to start launching new scooter models from June 2015

Unlike a few years ago, when most young men were reluctant to be seen riding one, scooters have become cool again. And there are plenty of reasons for this, the introduction of trendy Vespa scooter being one. Yet another nudge was from Hero Maestro’s smart marketing campaign, which features India’s current heart-throb, actor Ranbir Kapoor zipping around town riding the scooter and even managing to impress the fairer sex. These well calculated and perfectly timed launches of the right products have transformed the perception of scooters in India. However, one of the most important aspects has to be the hassle-free commute the gearless scooters offer in the congested cities and towns of India.

Not surprisingly, the scooter market in India has witnessed a growth of 26.59 per cent between April 2014-February 2015 as compared to a year before. Whereas, motorcycle and step-through vehicle sales have dwindled and expanded just 3.24 per cent during the same period.

It’s obvious that two-wheeler companies are focusing their energies in developing new, more attractive scooters for India, and Hero MotoCorp is no exception to this either. Sources close to the company have confirmed to ZigWheels that Hero new scooter assault will commence from June 2015 and at least two to three new scooter models will be launched in India this year.

The source also confirmed that Hero will be launching scooters between 100-125cc range and the first scooter to be launched is expected to be the production version of the Hero Dash, which was showcased by Hero MotoCorp in New Delhi last year, and comes with a new 111cc air-cooled motor that produces 8.5PS of maximum power and 9.4Nm of peak torque. Alongside, the new Hero Maestro Edge 125cc scooter could also make a debut.

Reports online suggest that Hero has started the production of Hero Dash at its Gurgaon plant, to create an inventory of 30,000-45,000 units by the time the scooter is due for its official launch. The Hero Dash concept showcased last year was equipped with an external fuel lid, drum brakes with Integrated Braking System, maintenance free battery, telescopic front forks, 12-inch front and 10-inch rear alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. Also part of the kit will be a mobile charger, digital-cum-analogue instrument console with side stand, low fuel and service due indicators. And, we expect most of these could also make it to the production version, which will have an estimated price of Rs 50,000 to Rs 55,000. (Also read: New Hero Dash scooter snapped testing)

Hero currently offers the Hero Pleasure and Hero Maestro in India. The Maestro, which has been developed by Honda for Hero, has caught on to the imagination of scooter buyers in India and sells close to 45,000 units per month. However, as per the contract Hero MotoCorp has to pay a certain amount as royalty to the Japanese company for the Maestro. With the introduction of scooters produced in-house by Hero, the Indian two-wheeler giant can rake in more profit in its coffers.