Eicher CEO downplays Bajaj claims, says not easy to unseat Royal Enfield

Enfield enjoys almost the entire 250-350 cc motorcycle market in country

Royal Enfield, well known for its bullets, said it is not going to be easy for any new entrant to unseat the company. Bajaj Auto, which entered the 350-500cc motorcycle segment in December, claimed to have overtaken Royal Enfield in February in volumes.

“If you look at the 250 cc plus motorcycle market in India, every 19 of 20 products are sold by us…that is a reality. It is not that easy to unseat someone who is doing this,” Siddhartha Lal, managing director and chief executive officer of Eicher (which owns Enfield) told Business Standard. Bajaj’s claim was based on one month’s performance of the Dominar, its new 373cc premium sports motorcycle.

Also Read: Not worried about Bajaj, says Royal Enfield chief

Japanese two-wheeler major Honda is also reported to be working on a motorcycle to cater to this segment. “It is very clear. There will be people entering. There is no doubt about it. Just that it is still a very small segment. If more players enter it may help grow the segment,” said Lal.

Enfield enjoys almost the entire 250-350 cc motorcycle market in the country, estimated at close to 50,000 units a month. This is where it gets the lion’s share of its sales. It controls 80 per cent In the 350-500 cc market (data for the first 11 months of FY17). This is a much smaller segment, with monthly volume of 5,300 units.

Lal added that the company is doing lot of things on and off product. “Our dealerships are unique and don’t cater to mass products. It is not like a factory shop. We are working to improve and enhance the experience. And on the product side lot of things will happen. I am sure there will be good and interesting motorcycles from others. But we don’t want to cater to everything. If somebody comes and creates a new segment, good for them. We want to stick to our core and do what we do well,” said Lal. (readmore…)

Buying Honda BR-V - Decide before launch

It is a practical, seven-seater SUV/MPV cross and gets all the good stuff from Honda's inventory.

Many of you have seen the Honda BR-V in videos or pictures, and the rest might have spotted it at the 2016 Auto Expo. It is a practical, seven-seater SUV/MPV cross and gets all the good stuff from Honda’s inventory. As a product, the BR-V stands to its ground, but the competition it faces from the Creta is fierce. Here is all that you need to know before you book the BR-V for yourself.

Read more from our special coverage on "HONDA CARS"

• Honda Cars hopes BR-V will help clock double-digit growth in FY17

1. The Seven-Seater Advantage

Being the sole seven-seater SUV in its segment, the Honda BR-V will catch the eye of specific buyers. Although, the Creta seats three children at the back with utter ease, the BR-V takes comfort to an all new level. But, accommodating three passengers on the second row will be a squeeze. So, if you are fond of family picnics, the BR-V won't let you leave your grandparents behind.

2. The Space Game

Even with two additional seats, the legroom on offer is quite decent. The last row passengers have well-sized windows, which adds to the airiness. With the third row in place, the BR-V still has enough room for luggage. Overall, the BR-V is a comfortable wagon.

3. The Honda Legacy

It borrows its underpinnings from the likes of the Brio and the Mobilio. That said, the car is longer and does feature a large rear overhang. The insides are reminiscent of the Honda Jazz, while the engines have made their way over from the Honda city. These are 1.5-litre petrol and diesel units which in the City generates 117.3 and 98.6bhp respectively. The petrol variant will also come with an optional CVT automatic gearbox.

If you are a Honda owner, the BR-V will be a familiar space to be within. The drive is comfortable and has enough punch, although, you do feel the length of the car while taking turns on above average speeds.

4. The SUV-MPV Dilemma

Is the BR-V an SUV or an MPV? Well, Honda likes to call the BR-V an SUV, but in all its essence, it is an MPV on steroids. The long side profile and the seven-seater layout takes care of the MPV part, and the squared-off bonnet with large two-part chrome grille gives it an SUV stance. The chunky bumpers with skid plates and plastic cladding all around the car, adds muscle to its appeal. The car does look off-road ready, but you just might want to keep it on tarmac and slight gravel. More details when we get our hands on one.

The BR-V is comfortable, spacious, decent to drive and features an automatic option. It looks the part of an SUV and has the practicality of an MPV. All-in-all, it is a good car, but the Hyundai Creta is tough to beat. Moreover, the Renault Duster has just been updated and is one of the best off-roaders in the segment. Honda will really have to work hard on pricing the BR-V correctly to be a worthy competitor of the lot.

The car is slated to launch on May 5, 2016. Do read our in-depth coverage of the BR-V to know more about the car. We will also be coming up with a road test so stay tuned. CarDekho