India To Be Second Largest Market For Yamaha in 2016

Yamaha seems to working towards expanding its market share in India and it shows. Not only are they focusing on larger displacement motorcycles for the enthusiast junta but also on pocket-friendly point A to point B commuters. Earlier this year, they brought in the 125cc Saluto and also marked an entry in the premium 110cc scooter offering with the Fascino. In fact, in a recent interview, Roy Kurian VP Sales and Marketing said that India will become the second largest market for them in 2016. 

In the past few years India Yamaha Motor has already taken steps in this direction with adequate representation in the scooter segment and more recently in the commuter and performance motorcycle class. To achieve the said feat, Yamaha will commence production at its third facility in Chennai next month. This facility has an initial production capacity of 4,50,000 units annually which will be further expanded t0 1.8 million units by 2018.  

Currently, India stands third in the overall sales after Indonesia and Vietnam. But the figures are changing rapidly for Yamaha. In the quarter ending June, India Yamaha overtook Thailand and closed in on Vietnam with regards to sales numbers. When speaking of half yearly sales India Yamaha has sold close to 2,60,000 units with Vietnam marginally ahead at 2,91,000 unit. However, Indonesia continues to be the largest market for Yamaha. 

While India Yamaha Motor is expanding thie production capacity, they continue to work on building a stronger brand image. In November this year, Yamaha will bring MotoGP rider and former Champion Jorge Lorenzo to India. Read more aobut it here.