Yamaha to Unveil a New Competetor For Honda Activa at EICMA

After the success of its maiden automatic scooter Ray, India's fifth largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Yamaha is planning to launch a new unisex scooter in India to compete with the segment topper Honda Activa. In a short span of time around one year, Yamaha Ray has grabbed about 5% market shares in the scooter segment in India.

Chief executive and managing director of Yamaha Motor India Sales, Mr. Asano Masaki said, “More people have recognised our Ray scooter in the last few months. In the next three years, we want to grow the scooters segment. We will be launching a commuter scooter shortly.”

Name of the scooter has not been announced yet. However, it will be bigger than the existing Ray, hence, it will also be priced slightly higher. Currently, the Ray is coming with a price tag of Rs. 47,155 and its male version Ray Z has been priced at Rs. 49,405 (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The new model will be showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo and expected to be launched in the same year later.

According to the SIAM, Indian scooter segment showing consistent increment and right now, it shares 24 percent sales in terms of units in the Indian two-wheeler segment. Honda shares 51% market in the Indian scooter segment by selling around 1.5 lakh scooters per month, in which 1 lakh are Activa. The reason behind the success of these scooters is the fatigue free ride in congested city traffic.

Other unisex scooters available in India are Hero Maestro, Suzuki Access 125 and Swish, Mahindra Duro and Rodeo and recently launched TVS Jupiter, which are also doing well in the market.