India Yamaha Motor has signed up Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone as a fitting brand ambassador for their first ever Indian scooter, named the Ray, while disclosing their marketing strategy in days to come. Replicating its motorcycle strategy, Yamaha is all set to enter the Indian scooter market with the up-market Ray targeting ladies under 24 years old, while other less exciting scooters are slated for later introduction. As planned, the Ray shall launch in time for the Indian festive season around September 2012.
The Ray deploys telescopic front fork suspension, still a luxury on Indian scooters, with a more standard, single hydraulic damper at the rear. Its wide, clear lens headlamp and turn indicators are housed in a smart, raked front apron. Its analogue twin pod instruments house a speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge apart from all the usual warning lights. Although a glove box is missing, there’s a small storage cubby in the front. Other features include a two-tone seat, stylish grab bar and an edgy tail-lamp cluster. The Ray presently displayed uses drum brakes front and rear.
Yamaha has its sights set on domestic sales of over four lakh two-wheelers, with growth of 25 percent in 2012. Meanwhile, the Japanese giant also has plans to achieve an 18 percent share in the 150cc motorcycle segment.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
Dinshaw Magol
