Foreign collaborations have been playing a major role in the growth of the Indian two-wheeler market, and most of them are Japanese firms. The modern two-wheeler firms in India have been manufacturing new categories of two wheelers such as Step Thrus and Scooterettes. These have been produced by combining two or more two-wheeler segments. Foreign firms have already taken initiatives to own their two-wheeler subsidiaries in India.
Among the 3 segments of the Indian two wheeler market, major growth trends have been seen in the motorcycle segment over the last four to five years. One good reason for such increase in demand for motorcycles is due to its resistance and balance even on bad road conditions. Most of the rural areas in India do not have decent roads and hence the need for good, shock-resistant, and steady two-wheelers such as motorcycles had been felt.
Some of the major players in the Indian motorcycles market are Hero Honda CBZ, Bajaj Pulsar, TVS and Apache. Other brands include Splendor, Passion, Fiero, Victor, Star City, Boxer, CD Dawn, Karizma, Caliber, etc. Having classified the motorcycle brands into economy, executive, and premium segments, Bajaj stands as the leader in the economy segment, Hero Honda leads in the executive segment, and there is a competition in the premium segment between Hero Honda and Bajaj.
The following are the main factors that affect two-wheeler sales in India:
• Increase in credit and financing for auto vehicles - Two-wheeler loans and financing has been on the rise.
• Increase in consumer's salary - Due to opportunities offered by multinationals the disposable incomes of salaried individuals have increase manifold.
• Constant petrol prices - Today, the government of India has been