Suzuki India targets 100,000 unit sales for Gixxer siblings

Riding on the success of its flagship motorcycle – the 155cc, 14.6bhp Gixxer launched last August – Suzuki Motorcycle India today rolled out a fully faired version of the street sport bike, the Gixxer SF at Rs 83,439 (ex-showroom Delhi).  The original Gixxer, which was Autocar India's 2015 Bike of the Year,  is priced around Rs 4,000 lower at Rs 79,809.

Fully localised and to be made at Suzuki’s Gurgaon plant, SMIPL is targeting sales of 100,000 units from both the naked and faired versions within 12 months of the first Gixxer launch, according to Atul Gupta, executive vice-president. At the six-month mark, the Gixxer has already touched the halfway mark with sales of 45,000 units.

The new Gixxer SF, which retains the same features, engine, chassis and suspension as the Gixxer, gets Suzuki’s Eco Performance (SEP) technology which is designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency and performance. Suzuki says SEP’s efficiency comes about by reducing all kinds of mechanical losses, efficient design of every component and attention to detail in the manufacturing process. To mark Suzuki’s return to MotoGP racing this year, a special edition of the Gixxer SF is also being launched emblazoned with Suzuki’s metallic triton blue racing colour.

Positioned in the premium segment, the Gixxer SF gets an aerodynamic full sport fairing which, according to Suzuki, has been developed in the same wind tunnel where the Hayabusa, GSX-R and MotoGP machines have been developed. The fairing is claimed to give maximum wind protection to the rider, reducing turbulence and drag and in turn delivering greater aerodynamic efficiency. This directly results in higher downforce for stable braking and lower drag for better handling at higher speeds.

“Young India is driving growth in the 150cc bike category, which is a segment which has witnessed consistent growth in the motorcycle market. Suzuki is looking at expanding its presence and appeal among young customers with products that address their desire for style, performance and mileage,” said Gupta. He is optimistic that the Gixxer SF would help strengthen the company’s market position.

In March 2015, Suzuki Motorcycle India sold a total of 32,431 units, up 6 percent (March 2014: 30,594). As per SIAM sales data, for the April 2014-February 2015 period, the company has sold a cumulative 313,704 units, down 4.3 percent over the previous fiscal.

Interview with Atul Gupta, EVP, Suzuki Motorcycle India: ‘Suzuki’s focus will be on the niche segments in bikes in India’s A- and B-class cities.’