Autocar Professional's May 1 issue is on two wheels only

Even as Hero MotoCorp rolled out three new 200cc motorcycles today, Autocar Professional rolled out its annual Two-Wheeler Special. All of 80 pages, it covers most of the stakeholders of India's humungous two-wheeler industry, the biggest in the world.

We start off by exclusively revealing the findings of the Autocar Professional-Frost & Sullivan white paper presented at the Autocar Professional's Two-Wheeler Industry Conclave in New Delhi recently, Where does future growth lie for the industry? Is the pace of scooterisation hampered for ever? What will be the impact of BS VI emission norms on two-wheeler OEMs? What are the challenges for electric mobility on two wheels in India? What are the changes in consumer preferences and buying patterns? The answers to all these questions lie in this comprehensive analysis, replete with detailed charts.

Do you know that Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), which has experienced a tough FY2019 like the rest of the industry, is plotting speedy growth in the BS VI era? You can find out just how through the disarmingly honest interview with Y S Guleria, Senior Vice-President and Operating Head, HMSI.

Meanwhile market leader Hero MotoCorp has outlined its own plans for growth in a disruptive era, even as it readies to strengthen its scooter portfolio. The just launched motorcycles are proof enough that the company is looking to fire on all cylinders in FY2020 and beyond.

HMSI and Hero MotoCorp are the two clear biggies but the OEM which made all the news in the fiscal just gone by is Bajaj Auto. The Pune-based motorcycle manufacturer has recorded blistering growth in both domestic and export markets. While the CT100 and Platina commuter bikes drove a wedge through competitors' market shares, the sporty Pulsar brand, which comprises 12 models ranging from 149cc to 220cc, pulled customers from the 125cc segment and how.

Sporty machines are what young India desires and that's what Ducati India plans to deliver on. The Italian manufacturer recently launched four new Scramblers -- the Icon, Desert Sled, Cafe Racer and Full Throttle. Find out if they have what it takes to win in the marketplace.

Benelli, another Italian bikemaker, is also eager on the Indian market. In our interview with Vikas Jhabakh, Benelli India's managing director, reveals plans on dealer expansion, ensuring quality aftersales service, introduction of the Leonciono modern classic, developing a highly localised Imperiale commuter cruiser and lots more.

Think Piaggio and you get the vision of Vespa in your mind. We speak to Ashish Yakhmi, head of Two-Wheeler Business, Piaggio Vehicles, on the plan to launch the 125cc Aprilia Storm and Vespa Urban Club scooters which are targeted at young first-time buyers.

We also spill the beans on two brand-new products to come from the company -- a high-capacity scooter and a 150cc motorcycle by end-2020. This information comes from Diego Graffi, Managing Director and CEO of Piaggio Vehicles, who we have exclusively interviewed for this Two-Wheeler Special.

India Yamaha Motor is also gunning for speedy growth, looking to gain from the growing demand for premium motorcycles as well as the burgeoning 125cc scooter market, for which it could be developing a new product. Oops, we let you into a secret!

Along with the new, there's also business to be had with the old. That's the mantra Triumph Motorcycles India is deploying for its growth in India. The iconic British manufacturer, which has completed five years in India, is betting big on new products to pep up sales as well as kicking off a new pre-used motorcycle business. Will the new vertical be a triumphant move? Time will tell.

Two-wheeler and safe riding go hand in hand. Which is where the life-saving helmet comes into focus. If the alarmingly high number of two-wheeler road fatalities in India is to be reduced, it is imperative that all new two-wheelers are sold accompanied by a quality helmet for both rider and pillion. The ball is now in the industry's court. There's of course business to be had: 100 million helmets will be the annual demand in India. Not a piffling number and a personal insurance against injury and fatalities. We speak to Rajeev Kapur, president of the Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association, for his perspective on why helmet usage is still so poor across India. We also get incisive comments from Piyush Tewari, founder and CEO, SaveLife Foundation, on the steps that can be taken to improve two-wheeler safety. He point out that India can learn from Vietnam when it comes to successful implementation of a comprehensive helmet law resolution.

The past fortnight saw considerable news being made in the Indian automotive industry. One of the highlights was the reveal of Hyundai Motor India's first compact SUV, the Venue, aboard a cruiser ship sailing from Mumbai to Goa. We reveal the product strategy and also speak to Puneet Anand, Group Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India. 

There are a number of very exciting news pages ahead of all what is desciibed above. What are you waiting for? Go, get your copy today.

Where to buy?
Autocar Professional  magazine is available through select newsagents and for digital download from Magzster. 

You can also buy one-off copies of Autocar Professional magazine – contact Ganesh at ganesh@haymarketsac.com 

Also : AutocarPro to host global automotive safety webinar on May 6