Report - Suzuki aims to sell 10 lakh two-wheelers in 3 years, 100 cc bike coming within 18 months

Suzuki Motorcycles is pressing ahead in its goal to become India's third largest two-wheeler manufacturer by shifting focus to the rural market. With this in mind, Suzuki will launch a 100 cc commuter bike within 18 months.

A report on The Economic Times says that the company plans to open 400 dealerships in 2014-15, 300 of which are to be set up in rural areas. At present, Suzuki has 400 dealerships in India, 200 of them in rural areas.

With the thrust in rural areas, Suzuki is targeting sales of 10 lakh units within 3 years. This would mean the company wishes to double its sales in the next 24-36 months. For 2014, the company is looking at a 15 percent growth, says the report. Consequently, Suzuki has also announced that it would expand its capacity from the current 4 lakh units to 5.4 lakh units per year at its Gurgaon plant.

Crossing the 10 lakh mark could also mean Suzuki setting up an R&D centre in India, leading to localised product design and development, said Suzuki Motorcycle India's executive vice-president (Sales and Marketing) Atul Gupta.

Suzuki's portfolio in India includes the 110 cc Hayate, 150 cc GS150R, 250 cc Inazuma, 125 cc Slingshot+ and the recently launched 1,000 cc V-Strom 1000 ABS. Amongst scooters, Suzuki sells the 125 cc Swish and the 125 cc Access. At the Auto Expo 2014, Suzuki unveiled the 150 cc Gixxer bike and the 110 cc Let's scooter.

[Source - The Economic Times]