With the launch of its new 11bhp 124.7cc-engined Ignitor motorcycle on July 3, Hero MotoCorp has further strengthened its presence in the deluxe segment. It already has the Super Splendor and Glamour, which both deliver 9bhp with the 124.7cc engine. The Ignitor’s launch comes close on the heels of the first Hero-branded scooter Maestro, which rolled out just over a month ago.
What’s clear is that the new motorcycle is a badge-engineered product and it looks virtually the same as the 124.7cc, 11bhp Honda Stunner. The Ignitor which, like the Stunner, has a five-speed gearbox, comes with features such as the digital-analog instrument panel, typical front cowl, dual-tone mirrors and the split seat.
What goes in the Ignitor’sfavour is the aggressive pricing: Rs 55,900 for the drum-self-cast variant and Rs 57,900 for the disc-self-cast variant (both prices ex-showroom Delhi). The motorcycle is available in four colour options.
Speaking at the launch in New Delhi on July 4, Anil Dua, senior vice-president (marketing & sales), Hero MotoCorp, said: “Every new launch of Hero MotoCorp flows from a clear strategy to further consolidate its leadership position across segments. With the Ignitor, we aim to bolster our presence in the growing deluxe segment.”
Meanwhile, Hero MotoCorp reported its best-ever quarterly sales, riding on two consecutive months of record sales. With sales of 534,091 units in June 2012, its cumulative sales for the first quarter (April-June) of 2012-13 were 16,42,292 units. The company had sold 15,29,577 units in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year (2011-12). June 2012 also marked the 11th successive month of 500,000-plus unit sales for Hero MotoCorp, which split from erstwhile partner Honda in December 2010. The company is now targeting sales of 1.1 million units during the festive season this year.