Two-wheeler major TVS launches new brand from StaR stable

Chennai, Mar 12 (UNI) As part of its strategy to widen the entry level segment portfolio, two-wheeler major TVS Motor Company today launched 'StaR Sport' and was looking to expand its marketshare from 26 per cent to 35 per cent in this segment in the next three months.

The new variant from its popular StaR stable, was aimed at discerning urban motorcycle customers who were looking for sleek and compactly styled vehicle.

''The Bike has been built to deliver punchy four-stroke performance with excellent mileage and effortless maneouverability that will facilitate customers to tackle busy city traffic with absolute ease'', TVS Motor India President K N Radhakrishnan said at the launch function.

''TVS StaR Sport will be retailed alongside the TVS StaR City and TVS StaR basic models but targeted at customers who prefer a 'compact sized' motorcycle. In terms of the style and ergonomics StaR Sport possesses a different character compared to StaR City or the base model StaR. However, it retains the same proven engine and the toughness for which the current line of the StaR brand stands for'', he added.

The TVS StaR Sport will come in two versions -- base version and deluxe version at an ex-showroom price of Rs 33,990 and Rs 35,490, respectively.

Replying to questions, Mr Radhakrishnan said with this launch the company was expecting its overall marketshare to grow from ten to 13 per cent and in the economy segment from 26 to 35 per cent.

About its future plans, He said 2007-08 would be an year of launches and it would be very important for the company.

After launching Pebec in Indonesia in May, it would come out with its first three wheeler launch in India in August and follow it up with a new Victor range a couple of months later.

''Vehicles will be transported to Indonesia in the first week of April'', he said and added that the company's Himachal Pradesh Plant would go on stream in April.

UNI