Ahead of Diwali 2018, Hero MotoCorp has reported positive year-on-year sales numbers in October. The two-wheeler brand crossed the seven lakh sales mark for the fourth time in the current fiscal, selling 734,668 units in October 2018 against 631,105 units in the corresponding month last year – a growth of 16.4 per cent.
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Last month, the company registered its highest-ever monthly sales, clocking 769,138 in September 2018. The Hero Splendor overtook Honda Activa as India’s bestselling two-wheeler in the same month. India’s highest selling motorcycle clocked 2,85,508 units in September 2018 as against Honda Activa’s 2,84,809 units.
With the launch of its new 125cc scooter, the Destini, volumes are expected to grow further in November 2018. The Destini 125 was launched at INR 54,650 for the Lx variant and INR 57,500 for the Vx variant – both ex-showroom Delhi. The premium (Vx) variant comes with Mobile Charger, Boot Light and chrome garnishing as standard.
The 124.6 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, Energy Boost engine that is tuned to deliver a maximum power of 8.70 bhp at 6,750 rpm and 10.2 Nm of peak torque at 5,000 rpm. The motor can propel the scooter to a top speed of 85 km/h. The Hero Destini 125 comes equipped with Hero’s proprietary i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology that is aimed to deliver better fuel efficiency. With the i3S, the scooter is claimed to return 51.58 km per litre.
The Maestro Edge, which will arrive by early 2019, will use the same 125cc engine but will be pitched to young buyers. The Destini, on the other hand, is targeted as a family scooter. The expansion of the scooter portfolio is part of Hero MotoCorp’s strategy to take on Honda by expanding its scooter portfolio to six models in 8-12 months.
Hero MotoCorp also targets to expand its share in the premium motorcycles segment with the launch of four bikes in the 200-300cc segment. The two-wheeler brand has already launched the new Xtreme 200R in the Indian market while the next product heading our way is the Xpulse 200 in early 2019.
