Hero MotoCorp reveals first diesel bike, hybrid scooter

New Delhi, January 29, 2014: Hero MotoCorp has showcased its new product portfolio that includes the first diesel-engined motorcycle called RNT, which the company claims will be the first in the world.

Still in concept stage, it will undergo testing and further development with variants and accessories to be added in various stages, said Pawan Munjal, MD and CEO. Hero MotoCorp also revealed 4 new models that include an electric serial hybrid scooter Leap, the all-new 110cc Dash scooter, HX250R sportsbike and a new 150cc Xtreme sports edition.

Developed over two years after the split with Honda and in collaboration with the company’s technical partners Eric Buell Racing and AVL, these new products barring the RNT will roll out from Q1 of FY 2014-15.

The RNT is powered by a 150cc diesel engine with an optional turbocharger to generate more power. It also offers the option of adding an oversize generator as an accessory which, along with the diesel engine, allows extra electrical power for work at a remote site.

The Leap, whose prototype was first showcased at Auto Expo 2012, is now in a pre-production ready stage. Powered by a lithium ion battery and an 8kW electric traction motor, the Leap incorporates a range extender and on-board generator set powered by a new 124cc engine. While the Leap can be recharged by plugging into a wall outlet, the 3-litre fuel tank and the range extender can enable four times the battery range.

While the Dash scooter is powered by a forced air-cooled, 4-stroke cylinder OHC engine, the Xtreme sports edition has a 150cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder OHC engine.

The HX250R sports bike which is built on a sports light weight mass centralised chassis comes with a six-speed transmission and with optional ABS.

The first to be launched in FY’15 will be the Xtreme sports edition that will cater to both the Indian and global markets, followed by the Dash in Q2. The Leap scooter will be next followed by the HX250R sports bike in the second half of the next fiscal.

“The Leap will be first launched in the global markets, mainly the western geographies, and then brought to India,” said Munjal.

Hero is already exporting its existing crop of two-wheelers to Africa and Latin America, so the Leap will tap developed markets like Europe and USA, according to Anil Dua, senior VP (marketing and sales).

In Europe, Switzerland, France, Italy and Germany are potential electric two-wheeler markets which Hero Electric, a group company, is also targeting for its electric Photon scooter and Avior e–bicycle. Hence, these are big markets for the Leap as well that will combine a petrol internal combustion engine.

In October 2012, Hero had showcased 15 new models and refreshes of which 11 have been launched. The remaining four products – new Pleasure, new Karizma, new ZMR and new Xtreme – are set to roll out between January and March this year.

SHOBHA MATHUR