HMSI opens bookings for CBR150R, new Dio sales on a high

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has commenced bookings for its CBR150R, simultaneously beginning production of the motorcycle at its Manesar plant. The Japanese two-wheeler major aims to roll out a first batch consisting of approximately 750 bikes by the end of this month.

The CBR150R is powered by a 149.4cc, four-stroke, single- cylinder engine which delivers 18bhp. The bike features a six-speed gearbox and will be offered in four colours. While pricing remains undisclosed, expect the latest CBR bike to be priced within Rs 120,000. Meanwhile, Honda sales counters continue to bustle with 43,000 bookings accumulated for the new Dio scooter, in the six weeks since its launch.

HMSI has targeted sales of 21.05 lakh units in 2011-12, a 27 percent growth over the 16.56 lakh units sold in 2010-11. The company current has 1364 outlets in India, comprising 475 dealerships, 462 branches/sub-dealers, and 427 authorised service centres.

The company, it must be noted, has in September last year announced its third plant which is to come up in Bangalore. This facility is scheduled to become operational in the first half of 2013, with annual production capacity of 1.2 million units. When it goes on stream, HMSI’s total annual production capacity will stand augmented to 4 million units, including 1.6 million units at the first plant, 1.2 million units at the second plant and 1.2 million units at the third plant.