Report - Magneti Marelli FI equipped Hero motorcycle to be launched in early 2015

10/11/2014 - 13:19 Hero HX250R, Hero Hastur, Hero ZIR, Hero Motocorp Nithyanandh K

Will compete with Bosch in low-cost FI technology.

Talking about expansion plans in India in an interview with ET Auto, Mr. Saju Mookken, Managing Director and Country Manager, Magenti Marelli India, has revealed that the Fiat Group-owned mobility solutions provider will introduce affordable FI technology for two wheelers.

Hero HX250R side at EICMA 2014 — Hero has three FI equipped products in the pipeline as of now including the HX250R pictured here.

He added that the first Indian motorcycle to come with a Magneti Marelli FI system will be a Hero Motocorp product and it will be ready by early 2015. The country head did not divulge any further details in this regard.

Hero Motocorp has showcased a slew of products earlier this year most of which would make it to production eventually. The HX250R, ZIR scooter and Hastur are the fuel-injected models that are in Hero Motocorp's pipeline and one or all of these products could be equipped with a FI system from Magneti Marelli.

Hero ZIR front three quarter at EICMA 2014 — The ZIR automatic scooter is powered by a fuel-injected 157.1 cc engine.

Only a handful of motorcycles and scooters in the Indian sub-250 cc category are equipped with FI, mainly because of the expensive technology. With an affordable market-specific alternative in place, more manufacturers in India will be willing to upgrade their powertrain with a FI system since it offers proven improvements on the efficiency front.

Yamaha betting big on low-cost fuel injection technology for India

Magneti Marelli will be facing fierce competition with Bosch which has also announced its intention to introduce affordable engine management systems in the Indian two wheeler segment.

[Source: Economic Times]