Suzuki Motorcycle launches 150cc bike, eyes 10% mkt share

New Delhi, Oct 23 (UNI) Foraying into 150cc segment with the target of capturing 10 per cent market share, two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd (SMIL) today launched GS-150R bike for the Indian market, priced at Rs 59,000 (Ex-showroom Delhi).

''This launch marks our entry into the country's 150cc motorcycle segment. The price is tagged between the niche 150cc segment and the regular segment in this category,'' company Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Atul Gupta told reporters here.

The bookings for the bike, to be offered in four electric colours-- blue, orange, grey and black, will start from tomorrow, but the customers can ride it back home only in January next.

The company targets to sell 50,000 units of this six-gear bike by June next year. The bike, which gives an average of 55-65 km per litre, will be manufactured at the company's Gurgoan plant.

SMIL, the subsidiary of Japan-based Suzuki Motor Corporation, has presently 200 dealers network.

''We don't want to expand blindly and will be having 30-40 more dealers in next fiscal,'' Mr Gupta said.

Asked about the timing of the launch amid the global financial crisis, Mr Gupta said the company has planned the launch one-and-a-half year ago, when the situation was different.

Moreover, he said, the crisis is expected to mitigated in next six months, when the product will be available in the market.

''Even the youth don't mind spending money on their favourite bike, no matter whether there is a global crisis or not,'' he added.

The company also plans to launch two motorcycles every year, primarily in the above 125cc segment.

''We plan to meet you (journalists) twice every year,'' he said.

Set up in February 2006, SMIL has three bikes for the Indian market-- Heat, Zeus and Access 125.

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