[Redline6800]

Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL), has launched its ‘Hero’ two-wheeler range in Guatemala City, El Salvador and Honduras. The two wheeler maker has partnered with Indy Motos Group of Guatemala who will be the authorized distributor for Hero two wheelers. The Hero MotoCorp products that will be available here are, Hunk, Karizma, Glamour, HF Dawn, Splendor NXG, Super Splendor and Achiever motorcycles.



The launch is significant for Hero, as this is the first of the new international markets that it is starting operations in. The Central and Latin American markets are expected to play a major role in Hero's global expansion plans. HMCL has stated that it is targeting 10 % of total sales volumes from Latin & Central America and Africa over the next 4 to 5 years. At present exports are limited to a few countries, including Colombia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. Entering and succeeding in foreign markets will be important for Hero MotoCorp as sales have been declining in the domestic market. HMCL has seen sales come down (along with Bajaj) for FY 13 to 53,62,730 units compared to 56,28,513 units in 2011-2012.

[JayPrashanth]

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It would be an understatement to say that Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two wheeler maker by volumes is finding the going tough. Honda is targeting Hero MotoCorp's bread and butter entry level motorcycle range with the Dream series of 110cc commuters while Bajaj Auto is playing both ends of the market with a slew of new launches that include Discover commuter motorcycles and new motorcycles in the Pulsar series. Amid all this, Hero MotoCorp has seen its market share being chipped away. Even as it looks to export markets to hold on to its volumes, Hero MotoCorp has registered a big month in May 2013.



The Indian two wheeler major has embarked upon a fightback and the initial results seem encouraging. In a gloomy market, Hero MotoCorp seems to be getting the equation right as it has managed to dispatch 557,890 units of two wheelers to dealerships across the country, the brand's highest ever dispatch for any month ever. Retail sales too are strong at 1.1 million units for April and May taken together, the highest ever two month sales for the company, excluding the figures clocked during the festive seasons. Hero MotoCorp attributes this success to the recently rolled out 5 year warranty scheme on all its two wheelers.



The 5 year warranty scheme by Hero MotoCorp is an industry leading measure, and the brand has been carrying out a widely advertised campaign across media outlets to drive home the point. The coming months could prove to be happy tidings for Hero MotoCorp as the weatherman reports a good monsoon. A big chunk of two wheeler sales, especially those of commuter motorcycles, comes from the Indian hinterland, a part of the country which is highly dependent on agriculture and allied activities. With most of India being rain fed, a good monsoon is closely aligned with the fortunes of the Indian hinterland.



Good monsoons usually see higher off take of consumer durables such as motorcycles and Hero MotoCorp, being the largest player in the country with an unparalleled reach in rural India stands to gain the most. Competition is intensifying though as Honda is establishing more dealerships in semi-urban and rural parts of India. In a country where the Honda brand name is synonymous with quality and durability, Hero MotoCorp does have its task cut out. Hero MotoCorp has tied up with Erik Buell Racing, AVL Austria and Riccardo for developing new motorcycles while it has pushed into Central America by launching motorcycles in Guatemala, El Salvado and the Honduras.

[ku69rd]

Good news eh!!! finally would be interesting to see if there would be any change in the quality/specifications of these export models. Am sure Hero would have to up its game to establish itself strongly.

[JayPrashanth]

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Indian two wheeler giant Hero MotoCorp is on a global expansionist spree of sorts. The world's largest two wheeler maker by volumes, is targeting sales of close to 3 million two wheelers from international markets by 2017. To achieve this number, the Indian company is establishing bases in emerging markets across the world.



The latest port of call for Hero MotoCorp is the South American nation of Peru. Hero MotoCorp has tied up with local partner MOTOCORP S.A.C for its Peruvian operations. Hero MotoCorp will sell 7 two wheeler models in Peru. This line up will be sold through 85 dealerships at the outset, with more retail outlets to be set up in due course of time.

The Pleasure automatic scooter, Passion Pro 110cc commuter, the Glamour 125cc executive commuter, the Hunk 150cc sporty commuter, the Thriller 150cc on-off roader, the Karizma R and the Karizma ZMR sportsbikes, are the products that will be sold in Peru. After exiting its joint venture with Japanese two wheeler giant Honda, Hero MotoCorp can now operate in any global market.

Previously, Hero could sell its motorcycles only in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. The unfettered access, now available to Hero MotoCorp has seen it launching motorcycles and scooters in various countries of the world in Latin America and Africa. Apart from Peru, Hero MotoCorp has launched its motorcycle range in Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Hero MotoCorp has also begun selling motorcycles in Africa, with an assembly facility at Kenya. The two wheeler maker has also launched its motorcycle range in other African nations such as Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast. Hero MotoCorp aims to sell 5 crore motorcycles a year by 2020, a number that could help it stave off the volumes leadership threat from Honda.