Honda, the well-established Japanese auto maker, is planning to launch a new 160 cc bike in the Indian auto market during the festive season. With the launch of a new model, the company is planning to take on the likes of recently introduced Yamaha FZ Version and break the legacy of Bajaj Pulsar series. Although Honda has several bikes in 150 cc to 160 cc category, the upcoming launch is expected to be sportier than all other models. Industry experts are of a view that the new 160 cc bike will assist the Japanese auto maker in gaining traction in the premium commuter segment
It must be noted that the CB Unicorn comes up as the only successful model in the above mentioned segment and the upcoming bike is anticipated to be a stylish and sportier version of the CB Trigger. Sources close to the development process have hinted that Honda India has mainly concentrated over the technology and fuel efficiency. Notably, CB Trigger was launched in mid-2013 and the bike was unable to find mass buyers.
It is also expected that the new bike will be launched on the platform of CX-01 Concept, which was displayed at the Auto Expo 2014. Along with, the company is planning to introduce a new member in the Dream line-up in the ongoing year. A company insider hinted that Honda India is targeting the top position in two-wheeler makers by the end of this decade and to achieve the same, it is continuously introducing new models. Notably, the launch of new models have made Honda the second largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the Indian auto market.
In June 2014, the company sold 323,224 units including 172,119 scooters and 151,105 bikes, marking an increase of 28.29 per cent under the review of 251,936 units delivered in June 2013. By the end of this fiscal, the auto maker is planning to achieve a sales target of 4.5 million units and to report the same, the new Honda 160 cc bike would require to blow the two-wheeler market.
