Hero Honda launches Glamour FI bikes with fuel injection technology

Hero Honda Motors Ltd launched its first motorcycle with fuel injection technology on Monday. The technology is being applied in Hero Honda's existing 125 cc Glamour model.

The largest producer of Two Wheelers in the world rolled out two variants of its 125-cc bike, Glamour FI model, using the fuel injection technology with all the advantages of driving comfort and fuel efficiency, with the base model priced at Rs 49,990 and the premium model with disk brakes and self-start at Rs 53,990 ex-showroom Delhi, the company announced.

In addition to being environmental friendly, technology makes the bikes conform to the stricter emission norms that can be laid down by 2010.

Telling about the company’s anticipation to gradually introduce the fuel injection technology on its other motorcycle models, Hero Honda Motors, Managing Director, Mr Pawan Munjal said, “As we go forward, we would definitely look at introducing this technology on other models as well."

"We have already dispatched the bikes to 180 dealers across 67 towns," Munjal informed.

Responding to an enquiry about the sales targets, Munjal said, “Since the bike is priced slightly higher than the existing models, the company is not expecting the new model to be a volume driver. We are not looking at any target, but do have significant capacity.'' He further added, “We will sell both the bikes. But at a later stage, if the customers so decide, we may look at phasing out the carburettor bikes. But not right now."

Although, the company, currently, imports the basic electronic component for the new bikes from Japan, but Munjal said the company was working towards indigenizing it "as and when the volumes allow."

In his response to another enquiry about the effect of increasing raw material costs on the company's margins, Munjal said though there was pressure on margins, still the company was not considering increasing prices anytime soon.