Yamaha plans to kick-start the R15 One Make Race Championship 2011

After the previous successful seasons of the R15 One Make Race, Yamaha is back again to enthrall the racing enthusiasts with the Yamaha R15 One Make Race Championship - 2011 at the Madras Motor Race Track in Chennai. The racing event is part of the Indian National Racing Championship 2011 being organized by Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).

The 5 round championship kick starts from 4th June, 2011 and will conclude on 2nd October, 2011. Each round will have separate races for Novice & Expert categories. The races will be held at Madras Motor Race Track, Chennai and the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore.

Like the previous years, this year too, the event will be open to all Yamaha as well as non-Yamaha customers thereby offering them an opportunity to stir their racing instincts on Yamaha’s flagship model – the YZF-R15. Participants are sure to have a thrilling experience as the competition bikes would be modified with Daytona Racing Kit. These kits are developed using valuable experience gained from MotoGP & World Superbike racing and are designed exclusively for racing purposes in a closed circuit.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor said, “Motor Sports is an integral part of our Brand Image. It has always been Yamaha’s endeavor to promote motor sports along with safe biking. There are thousands of our customers who want to participate in these events for the love of the sport & thrill. This also gives us the opportunity to come closer to our consumers as they get to experience the true racing instinct of YZF-R15. The event has seen huge participation in its previous editions and we surely hope to witness the same this year.”

All the riders participating in Yamaha R15 One Make Race Championship will be evaluated on the basis of their performance. The 3 best performing riders may be given a chance to participate in the “YAMAHA ASEAN CUP RACE” in Thailand later in 2011.

The technology in YZF-R15 has percolated from R1 (Delta box frame/ Fuel Injection/ 6 speed gearbox/ styling/ Liquid Cooled 4V engine). Just like R1, it is light weight, has power-on-demand, besides having centralized mass, stopping power, aerodynamics, ergonomics and stability/ rigidity, among others. It also has the controllability and maneuverability to maximize riding/ cornering/ braking performance.

Yamaha’s corporate culture has always given special importance to bike racing in India. It is a way of expressing the ‘spirit of challenge’ that Yamaha values highly.  Through the R15 Championship which is one of the biggest initiatives by Yamaha, the company aspires to take racing culture to new heights in India. Yamaha plans to continue this championship as a valuable step for carrying forward the racing legacy in the country.

About India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd.
Yamaha made its initial foray into India in 1985. In August 2001, Yamaha India became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint-investor in the motorcycle manufacturing company "India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM)".

IYM operates from its state-of-the-art manufacturing units at Surajpur in Uttar Pradesh and Faridabad in Haryana and produces motorcycles both for domestic & export markets. With a strong workforce of more than 2,000 employees, IYM is highly customer-driven and has a countrywide network of over 400 dealers. Presently, its product portfolio includes VMAX (1,679cc), MT01 (1,670cc), YZF-R1 (998cc), FZ1 (998cc), Fazer (153cc), FZ-S (153cc), FZ16 (153cc), SZ, SZ-X & SZ-R (153cc), YZF-R15 (150cc), SS125 (123cc), YBR 125 (123cc), YBR 110 (106cc) and Crux (106cc).

Yamaha introduces new campaign for Yamaha FZ

Yamaha has rolled out a new campaign to mark the launch of the new color variants of its popular motorcycle the Yamaha FZ. The campaign including a TVC is initially conceived by Adk Fortune and executed by boutique production house Future East. It has been directed by Andrew Hardaway, who is internationally known for post-producing movies like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Men in Black’.

Boutique film production company Future East has created the new TV commercial for Yamaha FZ featuring John Abraham based on a concept by ADK Fortune. The Yamaha FZ is a popular motorcycle among bikers in India. With the company set to launch new colour variants for the product, the brand needed to create a communication that was clutter breaking while retaining the brand profile for the motorcycle.

The TVC features Yamaha brand ambassador, John Abraham in three distinct personas. Each persona comes across a different variant of the bike that he likes and wants to ride. However, the bikes display a mind of their own and refuse to be ridden. Ultimately, it is the bikes which choose their own riders. Future East has commissioned internationally acclaimed director Andrew Hardaway to shoot the commercial.

The ad was lensed by award-winning cinematographer Maher Maleh who has been involved with classic campaigns for Honda and Toyota. The execution of the concept was dependent on ensuring that computer graphics blend in seamlessly with the shots of John to create the interaction between man and machine. Ashim Ahluwalia, Founder / Director, Future East says, “For the Yamaha FZ commercial, we put together some great talent including director Andrew Hardaway who has worked with diverse directors like David Fincher, John Frankenheimer and Ang Lee as well as post produced films with ILM such as ‘Star Wars’ & ‘Men in Black’. More importantly for us, he’s a great guy and on the same wavelength as the rest of us at Future East. 

The photo-realistic Yamaha bikes were created at UPP in Prague, known for their work with directors like Francis Ford Coppola & Paul Thomas Anderson. As a director-led company (as opposed to a producer-led one), Future East has always focused its energies on the creative and visually-challenging aspects of film-making rather than having a purely logistical outlook. This means more sensitive production support for the director, a closer relationship with key agency creatives and a more open, collaborative approach.”

Yamaha to introduce scooter in India

Japanese two-wheeler major Yamaha plans to foray into the Indian scooter market by next year and will set up a separate body assembly line at its Surajpur plant in Uttar Pradesh for this purpose. The firm's wholly-owned subsidiary, India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd, is investing Rs 10 crore to set up the body assembly line at the plant. "The scooter market in India is huge and we want to have a strong presence. Now we are preparing to launch a scooter here within 2012," India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd CEO and Managing Director Hiroyuki Suzuki told PTI.

Asked what kind of scooter it will be, he declined to specify details, but said: "It will be focused more on personal commuting, with stylish and smart design like Yamaha's motorcycles that are sold here." Suzuki, who was heading Yamaha's Indonesian operations before taking over the charge in India last year, said he would aim to repeat Yamaha's success in the scooter market in Indonesia here.

"In Indonesia, Yamaha has a market share of around 46 per cent, which is very close to that of Honda. I want to replicate that here in India as well," he said. He also said Yamaha's scooters would be positioned differently from those of Honda, which are more family oriented. The Indian scooter market grew 50.54 per cent in 2010 and stood at 19.6 lakh units. It is dominated by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, although other players like TVS Motor Co and Hero Honda have also witnessed good sales.

On the preparations for the launch of the scooter, Suzuki said: "We will need a separate assembly line for it, specially for the body parts. We will invest about Rs 10 crore on setting it up." Last month, India Yamaha Motor Director (Sales and Marketing) Jun Nakata had said the scooter would be an India- specific scooter, which is being developed in Japan.

Suzuki said with the launch of scooter, the company is looking to increase sales volumes in India. In 2011, the company is eying total sales of 5 lakh units, out of which 3.5 lakh units will be in the domestic market and 1.5 lakh units will be exports. Last year it sold a total of 3.8 lakh units, out of which 2.5 lakh units found buyers in the domestic market and 1.3 lakh units were exported. Yamaha had also said it might consider launching an electric bike in the fast growing Indian two-wheeler market to offer an alternative mode of transportation.

Yamaha to unveil scooter in India next year

Japanese two-wheeler major Yamaha plans to foray into the Indian scooter market by next year and will set up a separate body assembly line at its Surajpur plant in Uttar Pradesh for this purpose.

The firm's wholly-owned subsidiary, India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd, is investing Rs 10 crore to set up the body assembly line at the plant.

"The scooter market in India is huge and we want to have a strong presence. Now we are preparing to launch a scooter here within 2012," India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd CEO and Managing Director Hiroyuki Suzuki told PTI.

Asked what kind of scooter it will be, he declined to specify details, but said: "It will be focused more on personal commuting, with stylish and smart design like Yamaha's motorcycles that are sold here."

Suzuki, who was heading Yamaha's Indonesian operations before taking over the charge in India last year, said he would aim to repeat Yamaha's success in the scooter market in Indonesia here.

"In Indonesia, Yamaha has a market share of around 46 per cent, which is very close to that of Honda. I want to replicate that here in India as well," he said.

He also said Yamaha's scooters would be positioned differently from those of Honda, which are more family oriented.

The Indian scooter market grew 50.54 per cent in 2010 and stood at 19.6 lakh units. It is dominated by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, although other players like TVS Motor Co and Hero Honda have also witnessed good sales.

On the preparations for the launch of the scooter, Suzuki said: "We will need a separate assembly line for it, specially for the body parts. We will invest about Rs 10 crore on setting it up."

Last month, India Yamaha Motor Director (Sales and Marketing) Jun Nakata had said the scooter would be an India- specific scooter, which is being developed in Japan.

Suzuki said with the launch of scooter, the company is looking to increase sales volumes in India.

In 2011, the company is eying total sales of 5 lakh units, out of which 3.5 lakh units will be in the domestic market and 1.5 lakh units will be exports. Last year it sold a total of 3.8 lakh units, out of which 2.5 lakh units found buyers in the domestic market and 1.3 lakh units were exported.

Yamaha had also said it might consider launching an electric bike in the fast growing Indian two-wheeler market to offer an alternative mode of transportation.

Yamaha in a plan to set up its 3rd plant in India

Japanese two-wheeler major Yamaha plans to set up a third plant in India as it looks to expand business here, and also make the country an independent export unit for selling in overseas markets, including Latin America and Africa.

The firm's wholly-owned subsidiary India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd will invest Rs 300 crore until 2012 to set up warehouses and delivery centres at its Surajpur plant, the capacity for which is being expanded to touch 10 lakh units by 2013.

"Currently a study is on for setting up a third plant. By the end of this year, we should think of a new factory," India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd CEO and Managing Director Hiroyuki Suzuki told PTI.

Asked about the time frame for the plant, he said: "We would like to start making the plan for it as soon as possible."

He said the need for a third plant, over and above the Surajpur and Faridabad plants, is in view of the company's ambitions to expand in the Indian market as well as also an intensified focus on exports.

"By 2013, we would like to sell 800,000 units in the domestic market and 200,000 units in export when the Surajpur plant reaches a capacity of oe mllion units annually," Suzuki said, adding, by 2015 the company is look at an annual export volume of three lakh units.

In 2011, the company is eyeing a total sales of 500,000 units, out of which 350,000 will be in domestic market and 130,000 of exports. Last year it sold a total of 480,000 units with exports accounting for 130,000 units.

At present India Yamaha's exports is done through its parent in Japan which act as the via media for selling between its different subsidiaries.

"We are trying to make India Yamaha an independent export unit rather than doing it through Yamaha Japan. We have started exporting directly to Nepal and the next would be Bangladesh and Sri Lanka," he said.

If the model becomes successful then India Yamaha will also look to export directly on its own to new markets.

"The markets in Africa and South America are suitable for our mass market bikes like the Crux and YBR. We would like to sell directly to Yamaha's subsidiaries there," Suzuki said.

Yamaha India authenticates a 200-250cc motorcycle for India

Yamaha India is planning to export a bunch of it’s commuter motorcycles to Africa to shore up it’s revenues. Now, for you the Indian motorcycle enthusiast, that is something as boring as say Kareena Kapoor in a ugly green jump suit. But what you will definitely please you is the fact that there is official word emerging from Yamaha India, that there is indeed a 200-250cc motorcycle lined up for the Indian motorcycle market in the future.

While it still remains unclear as to how quickly Yamaha India will launch the 200-250cc motorcycle to ensure that it remains in the thick of things in the very hot 250cc premium motorcycle market in India, which of late is seeing plenty of action. If you’re an Indian motorcycle enthusiast, there’s no better a time to start saving up.

We’re hoping that Yamaha India brings it’s latest 250cc offering soon as arch rival Honda has just launched the 2011 Honda CBR250R to an overwhelming response and is targeting no less than 30,000 units per year in sales. One bummer of course is the fact that Yamaha India will launch a 150cc scooter only after the next two years. So, all those of you expecting the zany Yamaha BW125 may have to wait for longer as scooters don’t yet seem to be Yamaha India’s priority for now.

Meanwhile, here’s what Hiroyuki Suzuki, the new managing director and chief executive of India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd, had to say.

Keith Code is moving to India

India is (as you hopefully know if you have been paying attention) quickly becoming the largest motorcycle market in the world. Over the last several years there, the market has finally started to see motorcycles with displacements in excess of the seemingly ubiquitous 125cc motorbike which every family owns.

Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, etc. – all the major players have introduced full-sized, large displacement motorcycles of many different classes to the Subcontinent and the dealers are having trouble keeping them on their showroom floors.

California Superbike School's Keith CodeNow, India does have a huge education system – though it does under-serve its population, it is incredibly advanced and expansive – but they lack racing schools, at least any which are professionally organized and staffed. Keith Code’s California Superbike School (CSS) will now hold classes inside this huge Asian nation with the help of local appliance giant Preethi.

The California Superbike School was founded by Keith Code in California some 30 years ago. That time has been used very well by the riding instruction genius as he has managed to expand the school into 15 countries all around the world. Code has also hired experienced riders and racers to instruct the students in the best way to get a bike around a track; the instructors are all very communicative, understandable, and they know well what they are talking about.

CSSCalifornia Superbike School's Keith Code (old photo) has developed its own technology to help with instruction off of the track. Some of their training aids have even created controversy in the industry they support, but some have proven some long-held beliefs wrong. Everything the CSS does is geared towards learning and improving your ability to ride a motorcycle. And, whether you believe it or not, taking a class with them will help you ride any motorcycle better – period.

Keith Code actually started his CSS work in India last year; it went very well and CSS had a roster full of participants from all over the country. That success led CSS to return again, but this time they brought an all-star instructor squad with them. In fact, Keith Code himself participated in teaching students, and he had a blast doing so.

The most recent CSS event was held at the Madras Motor Sport Track in Chennai back in January. Over 100 riders – including several Indian professional racers who also joined in to hone their own already excellent riding skills – New CSS BMW S1000RRparticipated over the five days of classes offered. The sessions were very successful and every student walked away impressed with the school and what they learned; all were eager to go again.

New CSS BMW S1000RRCSS will return to what is the world’s second largest motorcycle market again in 2012, and they may even expand beyond their one-track setup. In fact, the CEO of Preethi, TT Varadarajan, who has attended CSS classes since the 1990s, will be working to make the school a fixture in the nation of India. According to Varadarajan, helping India’s racers improve their skills to further their growth in the racing world is one goal, but making the nation’s riders safer is their primary focus.

Based on the results, with riders traveling from all over the country to attend, and all of them praising their time there, CSS and Preethi have hit upon a fantastic idea. All they need to do now is find a way to accommodate the huge number of riders in India who wish to attend – any riding instructors interested in moving?

Strong yen pulls down Maruti Suzuki’s stock to five-week low

Shares of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, the country’s largest car maker and a unit of Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corp., plunged 4.4% on Thursday to a five-week low as the Japanese yen appreciated against the rupee and other currencies.

At least 20% of Maruti’s imports are yen-denominated and strengthening of the currency against the rupee may mean that the Indian unit may have to pay more for purchasing parts from Japan. Maruti’s stock price declined to Rs.1,169.25 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, compared with the benchmark Sensex’s 1.1% drop.

The yen has gained 4.8% against the rupee since 11 March, when an earthquake and a tsunami hit Japan, according to calculations made based on the Reserve Bank of India’s reference rate. On Thursday, the rupee closed at Rs.57.14 per 100 yen compared with Rs.55.92 on Wednesday.

The extent of the currency impact on Maruti’s profitability would depend on how long the appreciation continues, said Mahantesh Sabarad, an analyst at Fortune Equity Brokers (Ind) Ltd. Maruti buys yen worth Rs.3,600 crore a year to import parts and pay royalty to Suzuki Motor, he said.

In the December quarter, Maruti paid Suzuki a royalty of 5.2% of its net sales, according to a Bloomberg report in January.

Sabarad said theoretically Maruti buys yen worth Rs.10 crore a day on an average. Hence, a 5% appreciation against the rupee in the past six days would mean a potential loss of Rs.2-3 crore a week. But he added that this would depend on a combination of factors such as treasury actions like hedging taken by the company and the price points at which it buys the yen.

Ajay Seth, Maruti’s chief financial officer, said the yen’s strengthening has not had any impact on the company’s profitability so far as it had hedged the currency in the beginning of the current quarter. “We hedged it at the levels which is much better than the current one,” Seth said. “It can be a concern if it continues to be strong.”

Maruti imports around 20% of its parts from Japan and has adequate supply of these components for about three months, Seth said in an interview with Bloomberg News.

In an earnings call on 29 January, after announcing its third-quarter results, he had said the company’s strategy for this year would be to keep the yen exposure open because it believed the currency could either improve or depreciate against the dollar.

Kiran Deshmukh, chief operating officer at Sona Koyo Steering Systems Ltd, which imports certain components from Japan to make steering, suspension and other parts for car makers including Maruti, said the company has not faced any problem as the southern region of the island nation, which houses many of the factories that supply the parts, was not affected by the calamity.

The appreciation of the yen against the rupee may also affect other car and bike makers in India that have Japanese parents such as Honda Siel Cars India Ltd, Toyota Kirloskar Motors Ltd, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd and Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd.

Ajay Shethiya, analyst at Centrum Broking Ltd, said the quarter-on-quarter impact on Maruti’s profitability on account of a stronger yen would be limited. Higher royalty costs and an unfavourable yen and euro had singed Maruti’s third-quarter profits as well.

Three of the Japanese Big Four motorcycle makers Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha down factory shutters due to the effect of Tsunami

The Japanese earthquake and tsunami is truly bringing the Japanese auto industry to a grinding halt even as three of the Big Four Japanese motorcycle makers, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have decided to down their factory shutters to recuperate from the massive and widespread destruction the natural calamity has caused.

While the other motorcycle maker of the quartet, Kawasaki, has not released any official information about the status of it’s Japanese operations, there exists a very strong possibility of Kawasaki also putting production on temporary halt even as Japan is still under high alert due to a possibly nuclear plant meltdown.

While the tragedy has already claimed a large number of human lives and torn apart Japan’s highly evolved infrastructure, it’s effects could last much longer than even the Kobe earthquake of 1995, whose $10 Trillion damage  figure might be easily crossed  by the current natural disaster.

In India, high end CBU motorcycles that were scheduled to be shipped from Japan for customer deliveries, could be delayed by a month or two while other spare parts too will see delays due to factories being closed and other component suppliers being badly affected by the killer quake and tsunami. Let’s hope and pray that Japan, like always manages to come our stronger from this tragic event.

Bike makers speed up launch plans for premium models

Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha and Mahindra are revving launch plans for the 200cc and above notorcycle segment. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, the country's fourth largest two-wheeler producer, will be first off. It plans to launch the CBR 250 next month, at a price tag of around Rs 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).The Japanese subsidiary has already started accepting bookings and got 2,500. Delivery of the CBR 250, whose cost will be on par with the entry-level model of Tata's Nano car, will start by the end of April, stated a senior executive of the company.

Naresh Rattan, operating head of sales and marketing for HMSI, said: "The initial response for the CBR 250 is very encouraging. We are on track for launching in April." The engine and most other components are being made locally. HMSI hopes to sell 30,000 units of the bike in the first 12 months after the launch.

The segment where Honda plans to sell this premium bike is presently dominated by Bajaj, Royal Enfield and Hero Honda. Although the segment is small, with sales of around 160,000 units a year, it is growing in high double-digits, say industry players. Thus, it has attracted others, too.

Bajaj Auto, India's second biggest bike maker, will launch the Duke 200 later this year. This has been developed in association with its Austrian partner, KTM Power Sports AG, where Bajaj holds 38 per cent stake. The Pune-based company had plans of launching the 125cc version of the bike before deciding against it last year. Bajaj is expected to price the bike in the same space as Honda's CBR 250.

Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, stated the cost of manufacturing the Duke 200 would bevery similar to the Duke 125. KTM is to remain a premium brand as compared to Bajaj, which would continue to be the more mass-market one in the domestic market.

Mahindra 2 Wheelers, from the Mahindra Group, has rescheduled the launch of its Mojo motorcycle, a 300cc performance touring bike, in the second half of this year. It was initially supposed to go on sale in January but had to be upgraded with technology inputs and added features. There would, however, be no rise in the price of the vehicle, which was nearly Rs 1.8 lakh, stated a senior official from the company.

Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle maker, will launch a 250cc version of one of its bikes before the end of this year. Hero Honda Karizma, the only performance bike from the market leader, sees sales of 2,500-3,500 units per month. The Pulsar 220 from Bajaj sells 5,000-5,500 units every month.

The Kawasaki Ninja 250, assembled at the Chakan, Pune, facility of Bajaj, records sales of 40-50 units per month. Bajaj has priced its Pulsar 220 at around Rs 70,000, while the Karizma ZMR is sold for nearly Rs 100,000 each. The Yamaha R15, a 150cc motorcycle, is the most costly bike in its class and sold for a little more than Rs 110,000. About 2,000 units of the bike are sold every month.

Yamaha introduces VMAX at METI Exhibition

The exhibition organized by METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry) Govt. of Japan along with India Design Council (IDC) & FICCI, ruminated on the relevance of Design in the automobile sector.

In a bid to emphasize on the relevance of design in Automobile sector, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. showcased its flagship muscle bike VMAX at the three day long Japanese Design Exhibition – ‘Good Design is Good business’. As part of the Exhibition, Yamaha participated in a Presentation Session today to throw light on the design aspect of VMAX, from its super bike arsenal.

The VMAX is a monster machine with a 1679cc V4 engine, boasting a displacement 10 times larger than the average motorcycle in India. The highlights in the VMAX design are “creation of a true original” among motorcycles. The design expresses both dynamism and pursuit of the extremes of “power and beauty,” which are linked concepts that are deeply rooted in the cultural environment of Japan. The pride of Yamaha is the V-4 engine which is inspired by a power that feels almost infinite. This made the designers of VMAX use the infinity symbol (?) as motif for the engine’s input and output components.

This second generation model is the first model change in 23 years as it percolated from the highly original shape of the first “VMAX” introduced in 1985. The VMAX has always had a strong influence on the market and is a symbol of power that has become an industry standard. It enjoys a status symbol associated with style, power and machismo among motorcycle lovers to this date.

The design philosophy of Yamaha is equally expressed in the mass motorcycle models such as FZ & SZ series. In FZ16, the “triple macho” concept guides the overall silhouette of the bike, the individual body parts & the chassis and produces a wonderfully wild and rugged impression. The SZ series design is developed around the concept of the stylish urban commuter and is intended to create an impression of “powerful and robust” and a “sensation of high speed”.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Jun Nakata, Director - Sales & Marketing, India Yamaha Motor said, “Being supported by bodies - METI, IDC and FICCI, Good Design Exhibition is a unique platform to reach out to our audience and industry alike. Our presence at this Exhibition is vital to demonstrate the technical prowess of our products and showcase the Yamaha DNA. Since 2008, Yamaha has been pulling out all the stops when it came to product innovation and technological advancements. Practically every model which the bike lovers drooled over in the past made in-roads to the Indian market -- the R1, MT 01 & VMAX, the racing R15, the lord of the streets FZ, the powerful commuter SZ series and the potent YBR”.

“With the launch of VMAX in 2009, the Indian riders got a chance to experience the true ‘Art of Engineering’, which lies at the heart of Yamaha’s creations. VMAX offers the very latest in advanced design and technology for an awesome acceleration feeling, combined with bodywork and styling that respects and enhances the iconic image of the original model. ”, added Mr. Nakata.

METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry) Govt. of Japan in association with India Design Council (IDC) & FICCI have jointly organized this exhibition. In connection with efforts to spread international awareness of Japan’s “Good Design Award,” which features a 50-year history, and in order to foster creation of a win-win relationship benefiting both Japan and India, METI had organized this exhibition in New Delhi, India.

Gulf cup Dirt Track Racing – Mohammad Ali requests famed motorcycle riders

Bhopal: The 21-year-old young novice Bhopal lad Mohammad Ali Khan was the cynosure of all eyes as he humbled famed motorcycle riders in the Clash of Titans in the Gulf Cup Dirt Track Racing in the Novice class for motorbikes up to 165cc 2-stroke to emerge with flying colours.

Dashing and adventurous Mohammad Ali, who is a trainee pilot, riding on his Yamaha – 135 gave the home fans lots to cheer as he beat back a stiff challenge from Santosh Kumar of Coimbatore to win the seven laps race and make his parents proud.

Santosh Kumar stood second while Suhail Ahmed of Bangalore was placed third in the race. Mohammad Ali was presented a glittering trophy and certificate along with a cheque of Rs. 22,500/- as first prize. Santosh and Suhail received trophies, certificates and cheques of Rs. 15000/- and Rs. 12000/- as second and third prize respectively.

It may be mentioned here that a day earlier Mohammad Ali Khan had finished second behind Muzaffar Ali in the Local Class Group C – Motorcycles up to 165cc – 2 stroke in the third leg of the Gulf Dirt Track Racing. He had received Rs. 2300/- cheque for his efforts.

Talking to this Correspondent after the race elated Mohammad Ali said that this is the second year when he participated for the second time in the race. “This is my biggest achievement”, he exclaimed. When asked about his ideal he revealed that it is none other but Syed Asif Ali, also of Bhopal, who dominated on the scenes of motorsports winning the title of India's most skillful rider in 2007.

A beaming Mr. Mohammad Sarwar Khan, father of Mohammad Ali, while distributing sweets following the spectacular success of his progeny informed that his son has completed 152 of his 200 hours Commercial Pilot training course schedule. He is undergoing pilot training in the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club at Bhopal, he added.

Meanwhile, India’s leading riders gave Bhopal’s motorsport fans something to shout about as they went through the motions in the third leg of the Gulf Dirt Track Racing and Clash of Titans at the BHEL Dussehra Ground over the weekend. If they got a glimpse of what dirt track racing was all about when the third leg of the event, organized by Sportscraft, was run on Saturday, the Clash of the Titans, which pitted only the best riders of the previously held legs in Hyderabad, Nasik and Bhopal, that followed on Sunday was a virtual feast of top class riding.

Bangalore’s Naresh VS of TVS Racing Team was the toast of the crowd which had gathered in large numbers, with teenagers dominating the scene, to cheer the riders performing dare devil feats to their heart content. Naresh scored a rare double when he stood first in both races of Motorcycles up to 130cc and 165cc 4 strokes categories in which he participated. He garnered total prize money of Rs. 45,000/- from the two races along with trophies and certificates.

While in motorcycles up to 130cc race Santosh Kumar of Coimbatore and Sarath KP of Calicut were placed second and third to earn Rs. 15,000/- and Rs. 12000/- respectively as prize money. In the race up to 165cc Yasir Ishaq a local lad, and 17-year-old Siddanth Nayak of Bangalore, the youngest competitor in the race, finished second and third respectively to pocket Rs. 15000/- and Rs. 12000/- cheques accordingly as prize money.

Arvind K. P. and H. K. Pradeep of TVS Racing Team came up with brilliant displays in the Clash of the Titans to emerge the undisputed kings of dirt track motorcycle racing in India. The Bangalore riders Arvind and Pradeep showed the class champions are made of to upset the applecart of their TVS Racing teammate C. S. Santosh, who was favourite going into the Clash of Titans after the brilliant display on Saturday, and take the honours, as the trio proved a distinct class above the field.

Arvind and Pradeep hogged limelight as they won one race each of the two races they participated in the Indian Expert Class Group A Foreign Motorcycles up to 250cc & Group B up to 260cc respectively and remained second accordingly in the other. They relegated CS Santosh to third place in one race and Vishal Barguje, another Bangalore rider, in the other race. Like in the previous rounds, Arvind and Pradeep, astride TVS bikes, were clear winners in the Indian Expert class Group A for foreign motorcycle despite being challenged all the way by CS Santosh and Barguje.

Arvind and Pradeep laid hands over cheques of Rs. 45,000/- (Rs. 27,000/- + Rs. 18000/-) each as both of them won first and second places in the two races. While CS Santosh and Barguje who each finished third in the two races received Rs. 13,500/- cheques each as prize money.

Much was anticipated from this Clash of the Titans, and none disappointed as they went through the motions on a specially-laid out course at high speeds, their superbly prepared bike raising a dust storm all over. The course laid out by organizers Sportscraft was really tough. In addition to the sharp bends there was also loose gravel and slushy areas to negotiate, which made riding a dicey proposition, but all riders displayed excellent skills to come through this test of man and machine in flying colours.

If the above-named champions dazzled, Coimbatore’s R. Prakash was not far behind in his riding skills as he grabbed top notch in the Private Expert Class for foreign motorcycles up to 250cc - 2 & 4 stroke. Prakash was challenged all the way by Nasik’s Shamim Khan and Vineet Kurup but clever maneuvering around the sharp bends won him the day. Khan and Kurup could only be placed second and third in one of the two races.

Prakash after trailing to Jatin Jain of Nagpur in the first lap turned up the accelerator of his bike full throttle to overtake him and maintained his lead through out to finish first. Jatin probably due to cramps could not maintain his lead and continued to slide down to end up last among the five competitors. Khan and Kurup moving neck and neck continued to push up leaving behind veteran Badal Doshi of Mumbai to fourth place and finished second and third in the race.

For riders and public which came in large numbers, this Gulf Oil event was certainly one to remember. They had two days of two-class action from the best riders and their bikes. The manner in which it was conducted left no room for complain from any quarter. After all, Sportscraft’s usual competence in running events with clock-like precision made it possible.

Mr. Shrikant Karani, the enterprising Chairman Organising Committee and founder member of Sportscraft which organized the event, appeared pleased as punch at the successful completion of the event. It may be mentioned here that Sportscraft, which was started by Mr. Shrikant Karani, was named in the Limca Book of Records in 2007 for achieving the landmark of organising 250 motorsport events from 1984 to 2006. Up till now the Sportscraft has organized over 300 events.

It may be pointed out here that the event was sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation Limited, (GOCL). The GOCL or simply Gulf Oil, which is a Hinduja Group Company and is more than 100 years old with its famous Orange Disc Logo, is present in more than 90 countries globally. Gulf Oil is renowned for its association with motor sports internationally with the famous Lemans 24hrs endurance race and Gulf Cup Dirt Track Racing in India.

While Prakash finished second behind Girish KC of Kerala and Firoz Khan of Aurangabad came third in the Group B – Motorcycles up to 260cc – 2 & 4 stroke.

Prakash pocketed Rs. 48,000/- (Rs. 28,000/- + Rs. 20,000/-) cheques, apart from trophies and certificates, in the two races in which he took part. While Khan and Kurup received Rs. 20,000/- and Rs. 15,000/- cheques respectively. Girish gained Rs. 28,000/- cheque plus trophy for his top finish in the Group B – Motorcycles up to 260cc – 2 & 4 stroke and Firoz got Rs. 15000/- cheque for his third spot in the race.

For riders and public which came in large numbers, this Gulf Oil event was certainly one to remember. They had two days of two-class action from the best riders and their bikes. The manner in which it was conducted left no room for complain from any quarter. After all, Sportscraft’s usual competence in running events with clock-like precision made it possible.

Mr. Shrikant Karani, the enterprising Chairman Organising Committee and founder member of Sportscraft which organized the event, appeared pleased as punch at the successful completion of the event. It may be mentioned here that Sportscraft, which was started by Mr. Shrikant Karani, was named in the Limca Book of Records in 2007 for achieving the landmark of organising 250 motorsport events from 1984 to 2006. Up till now the Sportscraft has organized over 300 events.

It may be pointed out here that the event was sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation Limited, (GOCL). The GOCL or simply Gulf Oil, which is a Hinduja Group Company and is more than 100 years old with its famous Orange Disc Logo, is present in more than 90 countries globally. Gulf Oil is renowned for its association with motor sports internationally with the famous Lemans 24hrs endurance race and Gulf Cup Dirt Track Racing in India.

SZR rides Yamaha's campaign for the Cricket World Cup

Team Yamaha is looking at making the most of the World Cup hype this season with an effective campaigning strategy focused around its stylish SZR model

A billion eyes glued to a single cricket ground, and an equal number of heartbeats pumping harder with every ball bowled. World Cup fever has set in alright and as countless Indian fans prepare for the battle ahead of Team India, it’s our beloved car and bike manufacturers who are working hard to use this hype for the strategic promotion of their offerings here in India.

Known for its constant pursuit in uplifting the spirit of biking in India, Yamaha Motor Pvt Lts has launched its first advertising campaign of the year 2011 centered around the Cricket World Cup. Revolving around its hugely popular SZ series of bikes the marketing mix by Yamaha talks about the core competencies of its SZ models.

The campaign is a national level campaign catering to regional markets as well including south, west and east India. The target consumer is essentially 24 yrs & above from SEC A/B and preferably male. A TV Commercial showcasing Yamaha Brand Ambassador and Bollywood Star John Abraham praising Yamaha’s latest sporty looking SZ-R motorcycle is one of many ways in which Yamaha has used the World Cup frenzy to showcase its bikes and throw some light on their special features.

On TV, the company has also tied up with India TV where the YBR 110 campaign is being showcased and ZEE where the SZ-R campaign is being featured taking the prime properties on World Cup.

The digital space being one of the most lucrative places for promotions, Yamaha has tied up with Sports web sites where in they will be running online contests. Radio and print are also two mediums where the message will be conveyed with a difference.

The idea behind developing the complete advertising campaign was to generate mental engagement with the brand and desirable brand association, as well as introduce the recently launched SZ-R to potential target consumers.

India Yamaha Motors Sales Up 28% at January

Two-wheeler maker India Yamaha Motor today reported 27.62 per cent increase in its total sales in January 2011 at 28,597 units.

The company had sold 22,408 units in the same month last year, India Yamaha Motor said in a statement.
In the domestic market, the company's sales stood at 21,974 units as against 17,598 in the same month last year, up 24.87 per cent.
Exports of India Yamaha rose by 37.69 per cent to 6,623 units from 4,810 units in the year-ago period, it added. Tata Showroom in India

"2010 has been a favourable year for us and we are upbeat about continuing with a strong show this year as well. With the launches of SZ, SZ-R, SZ-X, and YBR 125 last year, we are well-positioned to increase our presence in the Indian market," India Yamaha Motor Director (Sales and Marketing) Koji Arai said. Used Cars Bangalore

Yamaha Sales Report 2010

India Yamaha Motor sold 350,264 motorcycles in 2010, compared to 267,895 motorcycles in 2009, a growth of 30.7% over the previous year.

The domestic Indian market recorded motorcycle sales of 258,987 units in 2010, up from 218,625 units in 2009-a growth of 18.5%. Export sales increased 85% from 2009 to 2010. In 2010, 91,277 motorcycles were moved, in contrast to the 49,270 units in 2009.electric scooter in India

"We are pleased with our achievements this year, wherein we have been able to strengthen our brand image and cement our place in the hearts of our esteemed customers," Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO and Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor told Ultimate MotorCycling.

"Along with achieving several milestones, the year was marked by various new initiatives to enhance our relationship with our customers.

"All our product launches replicated Yamaha's DNA of Performance, Innovation & Design and are in sync with consumers' expectations," Suzuki says.used cars in bangalore

"Our initiatives such as the Yamaha Safe Riding Science, R15 One Make race, Yamaha Fiesta, Yamaha Riding Clinic, Pan India SZ Tour Rally were organized to promote biking culture in India while practicing safe riding techniques," Suzuki explains.

"We are confident that we will build on our success of 2010 with a strong performance in 2011 as well."

Yamaha made a serious push in the 150cc+ commuter segment with the launch of 153cc SZ series (SZ, SZ-X & SZ-R motorcycle models) and also cemented its position in the entry-level segment with two important launches-the YBR 110 and YBR 125.2 hand cars in India

The company also strengthened its position in superbike segment by launching the FZ1 liter-class upright sport motorcycle in December.

A Yamaha spokesperson says the company "aims to further its global legacy of being a brand that is refining the motorcycling culture in India by providing bike enthusiasts with the combined thrill of technological superiority and artistic brilliance."

2010 Yamaha Sales Report

India Yamaha Motor sold 350,264 motorcycles in 2010, compared to 267,895 motorcycles in 2009, a growth of 30.7% over the previous year.

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The domestic Indian market recorded motorcycle sales of 258,987 units in 2010, up from 218,625 units in 2009-a growth of 18.5%. Export sales increased 85% from 2009 to 2010. In 2010, 91,277 motorcycles were moved, in contrast to the 49,270 units in 2009.

"We are pleased with our achievements this year, wherein we have been able to strengthen our brand image and cement our place in the hearts of our esteemed customers," Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO and Managing Director, India Yamaha Motor told Ultimate MotorCycling.

"Along with achieving several milestones, the year was marked by various new initiatives to enhance our relationship with our customers.

"All our product launches replicated Yamaha's DNA of Performance, Innovation & Design and are in sync with consumers' expectations," Suzuki says.

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"Our initiatives such as the Yamaha Safe Riding Science, R15 One Make race, Yamaha Fiesta, Yamaha Riding Clinic, Pan India SZ Tour Rally were organized to promote biking culture in India while practicing safe riding techniques," Suzuki explains.

"We are confident that we will build on our success of 2010 with a strong performance in 2011 as well."

Yamaha made a serious push in the 150cc+ commuter segment with the launch of 153cc SZ series (SZ, SZ-X & SZ-R motorcycle models) and also cemented its position in the entry-level segment with two important launches-the YBR 110 and YBR 125.

The company also strengthened its position in superbike segment by launching the FZ1 liter-class upright sport motorcycle in December.

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New R15 From This Month?

As owners of the Yamaha bike rave about it at every chance they get, it seems India Yamaha Motor is prepping to deliver even more to their faithful fans. Rumour has it that a new 2011 version of the Yamaha R15 will be launched this month. In fact, IndianCarBikes.in is reporting that according to auto website Motoroids, Yamaha is ready with a launch date of January 25, 2011. The site had earlier dug up a few juicy spy pics of the new bike being tested.

Going by the photos, it appears as if the 2011 Yamaha R15 sports a new alloy wheel design and wider tyres. The rear end of the new motorcycle seems to draw inspiration from its slightly tinier sibling, the Yamaha R125, which is a beginner’s motorcycle in the UK. This is definitely a welcome change in the aesthetics department.