Preparing for the incoming onslaught from Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor Company in the 125cc scooter category, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is readying a stylish 125cc scooter model, which is scheduled for commercial launch during the post-festive season in the domestic market.

At least three sources with knowledge of Honda’s 125cc scooter project have confirmed the same to Autocar Professional.

Honda’s Activa 125 and Suzuki’s Access 125, along with the Vespa 125 models positioned at the premium end, are the only scooter models currently manufactured and retailed in the surging 125cc scooter sub-segment. This, however, is expected to change from H2 FY2017-18.

It can be recalled that Autocar Professional had previously reported that India’s largest two-wheeler company, Hero MotoCorp, and country’s second largest player in the scooter space, TVS Motor Company, have both lined up 125cc scooter models for the domestic market. These all-new scooter models, understood to put premium features on offer once launched, are expected to roll out during Q3 and Q4 this fiscal.

Honda, which remains the undisputed leader in the surging scooter segment in India, appears to be aggressively preparing new 125cc scooter model(s) in order to not only counter the incoming competition but also to consolidate its existing portfolio in the said sub-segment.

HMSI currently retails three variants of its Activa 125 including standard variant, standard alloy and deluxe variants. According to the company website, the Activa 125 Standard variant retails for Rs 58,410 (ex-showroom, Pune).

Honda’s incoming new 125cc scooter is expected to offer premium features along with stylish exteriors in order to lure the young urban commuters. The company has disclosed that it will soon launch an all-new scooter named Grazia (pictured below), which is developed on the concept of an advanced urban scooter tailor-made for young buyers.

Speaking in this context a source, who wishes to stay anonymous, said, “Being the undisputed leader of the scooter segment in India and having established the Activa and other brands in the domestic market, Honda is perfectly positioned to now launch an all-new scooter brand in the market consolidating its 125cc portfolio where it has not performed as per the management’s initial expectations.”

“Rolling out a new, well-packaged 125cc scooter in the market before its rivals and doing so post-Diwali only reflects a well-thought-out and aggressive business strategy by HMSI’s senior management. The company clearly aims to fuel demand for its scooters during the post-festive season, which particularly records dip in sales,” the source added.

Although it is speculated that the incoming model named Grazia could be the anticipated 125cc scooter, the company has refused to confirm the same.

Honda will begin accepting bookings for its new scooter model Grazia from tomorrow for a nominal amount of Rs 2,000 across its all-India network. More details are expected to come out tomorrow.

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