Hello Friends,
Sorry to disappoint you ppl but this is not a review for Apache but my Views regarding how the major bike companies are faring these days and how people’s perception has changed with time.
lets start with.............................
1) Hero Honda Group
There was a time when hero honda was worshippped as ppl blindly welcomed whatever hero came up with. This was due to superior engine performance and after sale services. MOdels like passion, splendour, CBZ have been used by countless customers to their delight.
However with the growing trend of improved graphics, engine quality, alloy wheels, I feel that Hero HOnda has not been so far able to withstand competetion from likes of Bajaj, TVS etc. I think that they lack innovation and they just react to comeptetion rather being procatuive.
For example models like Splendour+, Passion +, Achiever, Glamour all seem to be old wine in new bottle and nothing really to excite the customer.
So, hero honda has to work on being proactive in the market as none of the models recently launched have made any mark.
2) BAJAJ
Now, everybody can take a lesson from bajaj on how to be proactive and rule the market. They introduced Dts-i technology and are largely responsible for making alloy wheels such a regular feature today.
In the premium segment, everybody knows that they have a good share with Pulsar Twins. In 125 cc category, discover has constantly been upgraded to be at par with the market and same goes for CT 100 as well.
Also we know that they have come up with Dts-Fi technology which just shows that how much proactive they are and they are much ahead of the competetion. To me, it seems that Bajaj is now set to may be overhaul Hero Honda in the coming time.
3) TVS GROUP
Once I thought TVS only cares for mileage only. They have enjoyed success with victor and I felt that in the past they were just scared to take any chances and that js why they could not come up with something that could set the pulse racing among the customers.
However , now they have shown an intent to be proactive and innovative and that thinkning clearly shows in their recent launches.
Apache is a prime example. It has so many unique features and in coming time it cud be a market ruler. Also, looks of Victor GLX have been improved to a great extent. Another model Star City has been doing really well. So, it has the capacity of being a leader in all the segments because they have shown intent to adapt themselves with the current time.
4) YAMAHA MOTORS
Well, what to say about Yamaha. It seems to be a lost king in search of its kingdom. Yamaha had a serious brand name and its main Forte was POWER. Rx 100 was a great example. However, lately their focus has shifted to making mileage friendly bikes which for some reason has not clicked with the Indian market.
These days there is no bike company which does not have a 150 cc bike in their reprotire( although they plan to launch Gladiator). Also, somehow Yamaha Bikes seem to be overpriced. For example CRUX S... a very simple looking bike is priced at 36000 on road delhi. I feel that CT 100 or STAR CITY are much better in this range.
So, I feel that Yamaha has to go back to what it does the best..... GO TO THE POWE LEAGUE and I feel that they have taken the right step by announcing FAZER 250 which I feel will get them back some of the lost mileage in the market. We all hope that Yamaha strikes back as we love it.
5) LML
The only time I saw LML picking up and being competetive in the market was with the launch of Freedom DX. There were vibrant colours, new graphics and a unique appeal to the product and ppl appreciated the product.
Sadly, that was the last time the company saw some serious sales. Now, although they seem to be innovative however they have been unable to break the jinx. Graptor, Freedom Prima and now CRD 100 I feel will go down the drain without a notice.
Although there is no specific reason to point out for their failure however may be lack of resale value or after sales services and goodwill in the market may be something that may put LML back in the reckoning.
6) Honda Motors
Honda has a very good brand name and also they have so far lived up to the hype. Their quality of manufacturing speaks for itself. Take Unicorn for example, class engine, good build quality and the fact that they dont boast of unrealistic mileage like some of its other competitors. Unicorn has been a success and that has set a very good launching pad for the future. Although I must say that honda Plays safe when it comes to styling a looks and I think their new launch SHINE will suffer because of the same reason. They can take a leaf out of Bajaj or TVS in that respect.
However every thing said and done HONDA has a very good market value and so far they have successfully fulfilled expectations of the customers.-
7) Kinetic enginreeing
The less said the better.
Now I wud like to thank u for ur patience. there are several points that I might have missed, however it is a very simple process of thoughts that I have compiled.
have a good day..... everyday
Ashish
So, how did u find the short views on these companies. I will also write about the rest of the companies shortly. Pls be kind enough to leave ur comments.
Thanks
Ashish