Hero MotoCorp talks tech with its new product offensive

New Delhi, October 10, 2013: Two years after Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL) broke away from its longstanding partnership with Honda Motor Co, the company revealed a barrage of products today, some of them equipped with new technology.

The company has introduced its i3S tech (Idle Stop and Start System) for two-wheelers, which will debut in the all-new 100cc Splendor iSmart. i3S automatically shuts the engine when idling and turns it on when needed, providing increased mileage in congested cities. HMCL says it has filed for a patent for this innovation.

There’s also the Integrated Braking System (IBS) introduced in the all-new Pleasure scooter. Developed by the in-house R&D team, IBS is claimed to improve rider safety and provide comfort of one brake handle for both front and rear wheels. The company says IBS will be a standard feature across all Hero MotoCorp scooter brands in the future. HMCL scooters – the 100cc Pleasure and 110cc Maestro -- currently sell an average of over 55,000 units per month. The Pleasure, targeted at women riders, also gets new utility features that include a mobile charger socket, lockable glovebox, boot light in the luggage box, combination ignition lock with seat opening and side-stand indicator among others.

Hero also revealed the Electronic Immobiliser, a security device that prevents the engine from running without the correct key, which debuts on the new 150cc Xtreme. The bike also gets a Side Stand Switch with automatic ignition cut-off. Other highlights are a new speedometer, headlight with stylish eyebrow lights, new LED tail-light with light guides, mobile charger socket and a chunky fuel tank.

In the above-220cc space, the company took the covers off the restyled Karizma and ZMR premium bikes which now get a twin headlight, sporty handlebar, new race-inspired belly pan, muscular front fender, new muffler cover, bulb winker, sporty seating, new side and front fairing and wider tyres.

Host of refreshes

Apart from these products, HMCL also showcased a series of refreshes and variants of existing platforms that include the new 100cc HF Dawn, HF Deluxe, HF Deluxe Eco, Splendor Pro, Passion Pro and the 125cc Super. The Glamour and Glamour FI now come with new graphics.

Speaking at the product reveal today, Pawan Munjal, MD and CEO, HMCL, “It has just been over two years since we commenced our solo journey and in such a short span of time, we have made significant upgradation of our existing line-up, incorporating next-generation technology and features. As the market leader, this is also a reiteration of our capability to develop indigenous technologies, and catapult to an era of technologically superior and aesthetically appealing, youthful two-wheelers.

“This is, however, just the beginning. Innovation is a way of life at New Hero, and I have given complete freedom to our young engineers to think beyond the conventional and give shape to their ideas. Come Auto Expo in February next year, and we will be showcasing yet another range of two-wheelers on new platforms.”