TVS targets African markets, launches 125cc Neo Ami step-through

TVS Motor Co, which is India’s second largest two-wheeler exporter after Bajaj Auto, is upping the ante on selling its products in global markets. Earlier this month, on November 21, the Chennai-based scooter and motorcycle manufacturer launched the TVS Neo Ami 125 ‘bebek’ or step-through two-wheeler in Africa.

Powered by a 124.8cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 3-valve, air-cooled, SOHC which develops 9.8hp and torque of 10.8 Nm, the TVS Neo Ami 125 expands the company’s existing range of products for the African market.

According to Rahul Nayak, Vice-President, International Business, TVS Motor Company, “The TVS Neo Ami 125 addresses some of the unique requirements of African customers – vehicles with higher ground clearance, longer seats for a comfortable ride and feature-rich vehicles to ease their daily commute. We look forward to providing a hassle-free ride experience, great aftersales-service, and affordable genuine spares.”

The TVS Neo Ami will be available at all TVS partner showrooms in Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana, Senegal, Benin, Nigeria, DR Congo, PR Congo, Chad, Central Africa Republic and Niger.

Export market scenario seeing gradual improvement 

In FY2023, TVS Motor Co, like Bajaj Auto, was impacted by the slowdown in their two-wheeler sales in key global markets. In FY2023, TVS shipped a total of 915,018 units, down 16% (FY2022: 10,19,139 units). Bajaj Auto’s exports, at 16,36,956 units, was down 25% YoY (FY2022: 21,95,772 units).

The export scenario for both these exporting OEMs is gradually improving this fiscal. In October 2023, TVS despatched 75,653 units overseas, up 10.12% (October 2022: 68,696), while its cumulative April-October 2023 exports at 511,686 are down 17% YoY.

In a conscious effort to expand its export programme, TVS has entered Europe. On November 16, the company announced its distribution partnership with Emil Frey for select EU markets with France being the first for rollout of TVS products including ICE and EV models, starting January 2024. A week later, the company announced its market entry into Vietnam, the third-largest South Asian market for two-wheelers.