In a bid to improve its market share, TVS Motor Company plans to re-introduce its Victor brand of bikes by December this year. This is part of the two new bike and two scooter models it expects to launch in 2012.
The new models also include a 125cc bike launch in June and another 125cc scooter introduction in December. It is also working on more 250cc and 300cc segment, the launch of which is around two years away.
TVS is increasing output of its two- and three-wheelers to 3.2 million units by 2013-14, from 2.8 million units, a company official said. It will invest about Rs 160 crore for the expansion.
Hybrid Scooter
TVS also plans to introduce a hybrid scooter – the Qube – by 2013. This would have a 100cc four-stroke petrol engine, running parallel with an electric motor on lithium-ion batteries. Pricing is expected at around Rs 60,000-70,000.
Many two-wheeler makers such as Hero MotoCorp and Mahindra 2Wheelers have unveiled similar concepts at the ongoing Auto Expo.
About 200 Qube models will be run as a test-marketing and production trial exercise from June this year itself, a company official said.
Sales growth
TVS, the country's third largest two-wheeler company, expects 2012-13 sales to grow 15 per cent. It aims to invest Rs 125 crore in the next fiscal. Sales in the current fiscal, however, are expected to go up 13-15 per cent.