Breaking news! Mahindra Two Wheelers readying 110cc scooter

December 16, 2013: With a clear focus to garner volumes and gain market share in the lucrative scooter market, Mahindra Two Wheelers (MTWL) is working to ready an all-new 110cc automatic scooter (codenamed G101). According to reliable sources, the new scooter, which is almost ready and in the final touch-up stages, will be unveiled at the upcoming 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi in February.

“The 110cc scooter is MTWL’s utmost priority in the immediate future, following which we will see the ambitious Mojo motorcycle,” the industry insider told Autocar Professional.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a company official said that “MTWL plans to introduce at least two new products, one of which will be powered by an entirely new engine.” The new, yet-to-be-launched scooter is a clear effort by the company to take control of its sharply falling scooter sales during this financial year. According to SIAM data, between April-November 2013, MTWL has cumulatively sold a total of 36,763 scooters as against 79,909 scooters sold in April-November 2012, down 54 percent, in a burgeoning scooter market which is moving at a solid 18-19 percent pace so far during this fiscal.

MTWL currently retails four models under its scooter portfolio, namely the Duro DZ, Rodeo RZ, Flyte (all three using the same 124.6cc, single-cylinder engine) and the 71.5cc Kine.

However, for the company’s motorcycle operations, the order book of the feature-loaded, 106.7cc commuter bike Centuro (with at least over 73,000 units of confirmed domestic sales so far since its launch on July 1, 2013) has kept the production plant busy. Between April-November 2013, the company has cumulatively sold a total of 85,380 motorcycles, which marks a healthy number considering MTWL has the Pantero as the only other motorcycle on offer. Joining the duo soon will be the 300cc Mojo, which is believed to be in its final stages of validation process.

AMIT PANDAY

Photographs: The Mahindra Duro and Rodeo scooters.