Hero MotoCorp continues to have its sight set on the global markets. The company plans to target export markets through its technologically advanced midsize motorcycle model(s) that are expected to be in early stages of development.
The company had plans of making a possible foray into the lucrative markets of Europe and North America, which had to be postponed due to Eric Buell Racing’s (EBR) untimely bankruptcy. Talking to our sister publication Autocar Professional recently, Markus Braunsperger, chief technology officer at Hero MotoCorp, said: “We plan to look at the category of motorcycles with engine displacement of more than 250cc, which will give us an opportunity gradually in India but mainly in the global markets. The premium motorcycle segment will play a key role for us there because if you look at the (developed) export markets for 250cc-300cc and above motorcycles, over 95 percent of such models are sold in the global markets and not in India. However, this segment is growing in India, and I see that this will gain more traction in the coming years.”
Giving his point of view on developing big bikes, Braunsperger further added: “If we do it the right way, and if we do have the patience to keep it growing the right way, then there is no limit. This will take time as you cannot expect a business sense to come out for a 1000cc super sportsbike for Hero in India.” The senior official, who is hopeful of midsize motorcycles gaining traction in India, wants to grow Hero MotoCorp’s product portfolio carefully without losing connect with the company’s existing class of customers, and yet attracting the premium customers to its stable through its superior products. The company, which had displayed two midsize models at the 2014 Auto Expo – 250cc HX250R and parallel-twin, 620cc Hastur – had showcased an all-new concept named XF3R at the 2016 Auto Expo. The XF3R was a design concept based on a 250cc-300cc naked street motorcycle. An official release from Hero MotoCorp on new unveils at the mega event last month stated “a combination of power and aggression, dynamic stance and grounded core, the XF3R exudes a modern and cutting edge character, giving it an edge over other bikes in this segment. This balance of form and function is the essence of the XF3R, which will be reflected in future products in this category.”
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
