Hero Motocorp to launch refreshed versions of CBZ X-Treme and Hunk in coming months.

Hero Motocorp is all set to launch the refreshed versions of  its150cc motorcycles in the near future. Hero Motocorp currently has three motorcyles in 150cc segment which include Hunk, CBZ Xtreme and Achiever. The changes in the refreshed version are just going to be cosmetic changes with smaller tweaks here and there.

The refreshed versions are expected get new pain and sticker jobs to make them more appealing in the 150cc segment. It is expected to retain the same  149.1cc single cylinder, four stroke engine which produces a maximum power of 14.4 PS @ 8500 rpm with maximum torque of 12.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm. It will also shed the Honda batch from its range of motorcycles since according to agreement Hero may use name of Honda as goodwill on its bikes till end of 2014.

Recently in a landmark development, Hero MotoCorp had announced a strategic partnership with Erik Buell Racing (EBR) of the US, encompassing multiple areas of collaboration. EBR will help Hero Motocorp to provide technological assistance in getting some big machines in the Indian Market whereas its technology tie-up with Austria-based AVL will allow Hero MotoCorp to develop technology for its bread-and-butter 100cc bikes such as Splendor and Passion.

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Hero Motocorp launches Ignitor at INR 55,900 (ex-showroom Delhi)

World's second largest two wheeler Hero Motocorp  which separated from Japan’s Honda, had showcased two motorcycles and a scooter, a scooter 110cc Maestro, the 110cc Passion X Pro and the 125cc Ignitor at the Auto Expo 2012. Out of which Hero Maestro was launched in the month of March at a price of INR 45,500 (Ex-showroom Delhi).
Now Hero Motocorp has launched its Ignitor motorcycle. The company has launched this motorcycle in two variants, the Drum brake variant will cost INR 55,900 (ex-showroom Delhi) while the Disc brake variant will cost INR 57,900 (ex-showroom Delhi). It will soon be available across the country.

Hero Motocorp is gunning straight at Honda's Stunner with the launch of its all new Ignitor .The Ignitor is the actual competitor for the Honda Stunner. It is again powered by same Stunner engine with minor tweaks . The Ignitor’s engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox and is capable of producing 11 PS at 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 11 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The design of the Ignitor resembles the Stunner to a very great except the change in the graphics and art works apart from this you also get a digital speedometer while Stunner has the traditional analog speedometer.Ignitor is available in four colors, Vibrant Blue, Sports Red, Pearl White and Panther Black

In 2011-12 Hero MotoCorp not only made a successful transition into a new entity during the year, but equally importantly, also raised the bar several notches higher to significantly improve upon our earlier performance.They are still the market leaders even after their split with Honda, but recently Honda is posing a big threat with its new launches in the entry level segment.
It will be interesting to see how the Hero Motocorp Ignitor will be received by the masses with its looks resembling Honda Stunner.

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Hero MotoCorp hikes vehicle prices.

India’s largest two wheeler compan Hero MotoCorp  has raised prices of most of its products by INR 500 TO INR 1000 with immediate effect, the company said in a statement, to offset rising input costs.

Hero MotoCorp posted net profit of Rs. 6.03 billion which is lower than estimated profit of Rs. 6.15 billion in the quarter ended March, missing analysts estimates, as higher raw material costs damped gains from record sales of bikes and scooters.So for now the primary target of the company is bring down the input cost .

The main reason behind the rising input costs is inflation , depreciation in Rs. currency and the rising wages of the workers .The company is now going to increase the number of touch points and accelerate the number of two wheelers sold so that they can strengthen their brand.

The company plans to launch a number of motorcycles in 2012-13 so that they can continue their supremacy in the market .Also the company aims to increase its overseas footprint and plans to target Latin America and African markets .The company desires to sell 7 million units for the financial year2012-13.

Hero Motocorp has inked deal with Erik Buell Racing and Austria-based AVL to scale up and supplement its in-house research and development and engine technologies.

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Honda overtakes Bajaj Auto as the second-largest player in the country's two-wheeler market.

Honda is the world’s second largest two wheeler maker by volumes, second only to Hero MotoCorp . After its alliance with Hero was over , Honda was all on its own in the unpredictable Indian Market . After overcoming all these barriers Honda did manage to tighten its grip without Hero's assistance .

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India had jumped to spot number 3 in overtaking TVS in January and
February.  The next target was to overtake India’s second largest bike maker Bajaj which is a segment leader in the premium category. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) had recorded an 11.2% sales growth in February over the previous month at 1.97 lakh units. The company was just short by 7000 units .

But for the first time Honda overtook  Bajaj Auto as the second-largest player in the country's two-wheeler market . Hero Motocorp continues to be the market leader by selling  a whopping 5 lakh plus two wheelers in March 2012 . TVS is currently in the 4th spot , way behind the leaders in terms of monthly and annual sales.

Honda managed to sell 212,812 units, higher than Bajaj Autos 201,183 units, in March 2012. But Bajaj Auto need not worry since 35% of Bajaj Auto Limited's sales are overseas . Not only that , Bajaj is way ahead of Honda in terms of Annual sales .
This battle between them is going to intensify  in coming days, particularly with Honda's entry into entry-level segment.

Honda plans to launch the Dream Yuga 110 commuter motorcycle by may end ,
To know more click HERE

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Hero Mototcorp's Maestro 110cc Automatic Scooter launched in Goa .

India’s Hero MotoCorp, which recently separated from Japan’s Honda, had announced the launch of two motorcycles and a scooter, a scooter 110cc Maestro, the 110cc Passion X Pro and the 125cc Ignitor. All three models have been launched under the new Hero brand name.

There is no official news about the exact launch date of 110cc Passion X pro and 125cc Ignitor , but recently
the 110cc Maestro Scooter was launched in Goa . This is the second product under the Hero MotoCorp brand and also the second scooter after the Pleasure.

The Maestro is priced at Rs. 48,280 Ex-showroom Goa and Rs. 52,872 on road price.


Features of Hero Maestro at a Glance :

- 109cc petrol engine
- Maximum power of around 8.2 bhp
- Maximum torque of around 9 nm
- Combined Braking System for simultaneous application of front and rear brakes
- Digital Analog Combo Meter Console with Service Due Indicator
- Multi-lever key with Magnetic head and shutter
- Bold trapezoidal multi-focal reflector headlamp and striking front visor
- Combination tail lamp and clear lens winkers
- Comfortable wide seat, Stylish rear grab rails, Large storage space
- Maintenance free battery, Viscous Paper Pleated Air Filter

Hero Maestro houses the same engine of Honda Activa, which made Honda a major player on the Indian market with its most reliable engine.

Hero Maestro is available in six shades: Panther Black Met, Pearl Fadeless White, Force Silver Met, Pearl Harvest Green, Candy Blazing Red and Maestro Blue Met.

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Audi set offer of 750 Million Euro to buy Ducati

Just a couple of days ago, we had informed you that Iconic Italian motorcycle maker Ducati is up for sale , possibly considering Volkswagen and BMW as potential suitor . Hero Motocorp and Mahindra from our Indian contingent also had an eye on Ducati . But now we have a got a latest update that Audi is set to offer  750 MILLION EURO to buy Ducati .

The German car giant has put the bid to Andrea Bonomi, the owner of the Investindustrial, the private equity firm which controls about 70% of the legendary bike manufacturer since a takeover in 2008 and is looking to double its money.The other stake holders include  Red Borgo Panigal with 20% and the bottom Canadian Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan about 7%.

There are speculations that Audi's,  750 million euro bid for Ducati, which while being lesser than the 850 million euros that InvestIndustrial sought for Ducati, could be accepted

Volkswagen's Audi brand is in full force to include Ducati in their stable of brands and triumph over their arch rival BMW . For Audi, whose Ingolstadt headquarters has become a key research and development center for lightweight fuel saving technologies, Ducati's engine technology could add a new development dimension.

It's a well-known fact that Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piëch has long been interested in adding Ducati to the VW Group's already massive stable of brands .VW had expressed interest in Ducati in the past but chose to pursue an interest in Suzuki which has turned out badly for both parties.

Apart from Volkswagen’s Audi, Hero MotoCorp and Mercedes Benz’s AMG were also reported to be in the race for Ducati.It remains to be seen whether Hero MotoCorp and Mercedes Benz’s tuning divison AMG, have also made bids for the Italian motorcycle maker.

Is Ducati's Future in the Four Rings?
Stay updated to get the latest news .

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Hero Motocorp heads to Africa

In a landmark development, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (HMCL), recently had  announced forging a strategic partnership with Erik Buell Racing (EBR) of the US, encompassing multiple areas of collaboration to help them develop high end bikes.

After the  the major announcement regarding their tie-up with Erik Buel Racing for technological assistance and cutting edge performance ,Hero Motocorp later announced that it would be making its own engines by teaming up with the world’s largest privately-owned engine developer, AVL of Austria , to develop technology for its bread-and-butter 100cc bikes such as Splendor and Passion.

Hero MotoCorp has finally decided to get things moving with regards to its technology deficit and now they are on an expansion spree , in search of potential markets to globalise their brand . This time they are heading to Africa to set up manufacturing and assembly plants there . Hero Motocorp have  identified growth markets in Africa and thats the reason they think they have good potential to take this market by storm .During their partnership with Honda , they were restricted to India  . Now that they have the opportunity to globalise their brand , we must say they are leaving no stones unturned . And mind you this is just the beginning of Hero Motocorp's expansion spree , Munjal said Hero MotoCorp had sent teams to the continent to find out potential markets for two-wheelers.

"We believe their is a unique opportunity for us to go and do business in two-wheeler segment there. Many of the African countries have shown rapid growth in the two-wheeler segment. Or teams have been visiting almost all of Africa."

Mujal said that although many foreign firms were operating there, the company's operational capability and production capacity would work in its favour.

"Many of our Indian friends have gone there. There are also many Chinese and Thai companies present there, even older and larger Japanese players are there. But because of the way we operate, our scale and volume, we feel Africa offers a great promise."

After their supremacy in India in the two wheeler segment for nearly 10 years ,the company has decided to go global ,they are  currently eying new markets such as Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America .

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Hero MotoCorp teams up with engine developer AVL .

After the  the major announcement regarding their tie-up with Erik Buel Racing for technological assistance and cutting edge performance , the company has announced it would making its own engines by teaming up with the world’s largest privately-owned engine developer, AVL of Austria..

Hero MotoCorp has finally decided to get things moving with regards to its technology deficit. Hero MotoCorp had split up with their Japanese partner Honda however there is no stopping them after the split-up. They have been headlining regularly.

Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO Hero MotoCorp was quoted as saying, “We have tied up with AVL to develop our in-house capabilities in engine technologies. A team from our R&D division is already in Austria. Our team is also working in close coordination with AVL ITC ( India Technical Centre) based in Gurgaon. The team is working on a few options across motorcycles and scooters.”

A couple of days back In a landmark development, Hero MotoCorp had announced forging a strategic partnership with Erik Buell Racing (EBR) of the US, encompassing multiple areas of collaboration. EBR will help Hero Motocorp to provide technological assistance in getting some big machines in the Indian Market whereas its technology tie-up with Austria-based AVL will allow Hero MotoCorp to develop technology for its bread-and-butter 100cc bikes such as Splendor and Passion.

This tie-up with AVL means that Hero MotoCorp can now come up with new engines for Indian bikes without having to look at other manufacturers. "We would be developing engines of all sizes to make new products and also refurbish the existing product lines. Gradually we will develop our own full-scale R&D facility to make products for global market on our own. The multiple technology and engineering would leapfrog to the next level even as we internally enhance our R&D to make products for trans-continental markets," Munjal added. This all also means that the Indian manufacturer will be seen working on engines beyond the 100-223cc range. 

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Hero Motocorp to get into 250cc and above capacity bikes

Hero MotoCorp, is the world's largest two-wheeler maker has and still 250cc and above segment is untouched by the number one motorbike company in the world .  Right now Hero Motocorp has Karizma ZMR and Karizma R as the highest segment motorbike to offer but even these bikes are at most 225cc bikes.
Karizma ZMR was anticipated to be a 250cc then but that didn't happen . Many other Bike companies operating in India have already made themselves ready to enter this segment very soon and take it by storm.

After Hero parted ways with Japanese major Honda, its partner for 27 years, last year, industry watchers had identified lack of cutting-edge technology as the biggest challenge for the Indian firm to hold on to its leadership position in the market. Hero had last week announced a technology tie-up with EBR, its first partnership after splitting with Honda.


It will be a step forward for the cash-rich company in its effort to get out of the shadow of Honda, which has become one of its toughest rivals in the domestic market after the March split.
Hero sells over six million two wheelers every year in India where it holds 56% market share. Under the joint-venture agreement with Honda, Munjals-owned Hero was restrained from exporting vehicles.

After the collapse of the Honda JV, Hero has started setting up sales and distribution channels cross Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia for its motorcycles and scooters.

The Munjal-family that owns 52% stake in the company plans to increase its exposure to overseas market which it wasn't allowed until 2010 by Honda that operates 28 motorcycle production bases in 21 countries (as of April 2011) globally.

Hero is largely India based entity with over 98% of its sales limited to the domestic market. The ownership in the American company is expected to enable Hero to develop fresh technology and churn out new products faster as it compete with its erstwhile ally Honda amongst others.

Right now EBR is working on products for Hero Motocorp which will be developed and ready, to be fitted in the new scooters and motorbikes to be launched by early 2013. Hero certainly does not desire to launch 1,000cc superbikes as of now because it wants to reach there in a steady and swift motion, step by step.So do expect a quarter liter version from Hero Motocorp in 2012 .
For latest news and previews stay connected to bikoholic.com.

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Hero MotoCorp To Spend Rs 1,200 Crore For Gujarat Plant

Hero MotoCorp is expected to announce plans to set up its fourth plant in Gujarat in March itself, even as talks speed up for a fifth facility likely at Karnataka.


Apart from feeding growing local demand, additional capacity would help the two-wheeler market leader to meet its USD 1 billion export target by 2020.

In a deal that has already been finalised with the Gujarat government, the company is likely to invest about Rs 12 billion for a two-million-unit capacity plant set up over two phases, sources close to the development said.

Chosen because of the proximity to ports, the location is a 300-acre plot close to General Motors` car plant in Halol, Central Gujarat.

``Within this month, I should be making the announcement for the new plant,`` Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & CEO of Hero MotoCorp, told Business Line. ``It will get to those levels (as Haridwar plant`s 2.5 million unit annual capacity), but will have modular capacities.``

For the fifth plant expected to focus on the south Indian market, a 500-acre plot near Tata Motors` plant at Dharwad, Karnataka, has been offered by the Karnataka Government, State officials said.

This comes after months of discussions that company officials reportedly held with many States such as Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.

While the fresh capacity is expected to come only by about 2014 - the same time when Hero`s first self-developed models are launched, the company is also expanding yearly production beyond seven million units at existing plants in Haridwar, Gurgaon and Dharuhera. This will help it stay ahead of the Indian two-wheeler industry, which is set to grow at a CAGR of 14% over the next five years.

``Some investments are being made at existing plants, so capacity should go up to over 7.4 million units in the existing operations. We`re also working on a centre for after markets parts,`` Munjal said

The company's net profit for the third quarter ended December, 2011 has increased by 43% at Rs 613 crore against Rs 429 crore for the corresponding quarter last year. Total income has increased 17% to Rs 6,108 crore for the quarter under review from Rs 5,224 crore for the same quarter a year ago.
Hero Motocorp has definitely stepped on the accelerator with this move  to leave all the other companies beyond its reach . Lets see how it fares in its production and marketing strategies with its swift moves to conquer the Indian and the overseas market.
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Hero MotoCorp in Talks on Possible Ducati Acquisition.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we had informed you that Iconic Italian motorcycle maker Ducati is up for sale , possibly considering Volkswagen and BMW as potential suitors. Then a week ago, up pops Hero MotoCorp in a deal with Erik Buell Racing, showing they have intentions beyond the small displacement motorcycles they're currently known for. Now, in what has to be one of the more surprising developments in all of this, word is out that Hero MotoCorp is talking to bankers about a possible acquisition of Ducati. Wow! I guess they really are trying to expand into another market.

"We’ve been seen as a utility-bike maker, fuel-efficient bikes, and somebody who’s at the lower level of the market, who’s more small-town and rural-market focused," said Munjal. "So our ambition is to become one of the biggest global two- wheeler players and to do that, you cannot only be in one small segment"

This may be very preliminary and no one is going to be talking about it outside the boardrooms where the discussions are taking place, but what is becoming clear is many more buyers may be getting into this game than everyone initially thought.

Ducati currently sells a range of motorcycles in India including the Ducati Monster, the Ducati Hypermotard, the Ducati 848, the Ducati 1098 and the Ducati Diavel. Ducati sells over 40,000 motorcycles across the globe and has been in existence for over  86 years. Bologna headquartered Ducati has had a series of owners in the past. Meanwhile, here is official word regarding this development from Andrea Bonomi, Invest industrial’s chairman,

Ducati is now a perfect company but the further growth it requires needs the support of a world-class industrial partner. This year, we will work towards that partner. A handful of industrial groups in Asia, Europe and the US were interested in Ducati

 Let's see, a company manufacturing motorcycles in Italy, with its largest market in the USA and owned by a company in India. Would it be any different if they were owned by a company in Germany? Does any of this even matter any more? Hero MotoCorp certainly wouldn't be the first name to pop up when you think of a Ducati sale, but it does make you wonder who else may be interested in the Italian manufacturer.
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Hero Motocorp Partners up with Erik Buell Racing

Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler maker, will buy a minority stake in US motorcycle firm Erik Buell Racing (EBR) for an undisclosed amount.

"We have a flexible free-flowing pact with EBR, which would be developed into a equity partnership," Hero MotoCorp MD and CEO Pawan Munjal said. The move is aimed at securing uninterrupted technological support from the US racing motorcycle maker once associated with iconic brand Harley-Davidson.

After Hero parted ways with Japanese major Honda, its partner for 27 years, last year, industry watchers had identified lack of cutting-edge technology as the biggest challenge for the Indian firm to hold on to its leadership position in the market. Hero had last week announced a technology tie-up with EBR, its first partnership after splitting with Honda.

By buying a stake, Hero can have a higher say in the US marquee firm and use the partnership to get a foothold in overseas markets. As we turn global, which is our long cherished aim, EBR is a strategic fit that will help us gain traction in overseas markets," Munjal said.

He refused to give the financial details of the deal . The overseas investment ,likely to happen early next fiscal, will be a step forward for the cash-rich company in its effort to get out of the shadow of Honda, which has become one of its toughest rivals in the domestic market after the March split.


Hero sells over six million twowheelers every year in India where it holds 56% market share. Under the joint-venture agreement with Honda, Munjals-owned Hero was restrained from exporting vehicles.

"We would look forward to have both technological alliance and partnership with Hero Moto-Corp in the future," EBR chief promoter Erik Buell said, adding, "A marriage would lead to huge synergies in the long-term." EBR has an annual capacity of 15,000 units. Hero has not ruled out more such partnerships.

"We are open to all options as we move into being a diversified automotive company," Munjal had said last week. While Hero was restrained from tapping foreign markets, other Indian two-wheeler makers, such as Bajaj Auto, have made successful forays overseas. Bajaj, which started as a minority shareholder in Austria's KTM, is now its biggest overseas investor with 40% stake.

After the collapse of the Honda JV, Hero has started setting up sales and distribution channels cross Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia for its motorcycles and scooters.

The Munjal-family that owns 52% stake in the company plans to increase its exposure to overseas market which it wasn't allowed until 2010 by Honda that operates 28 motorcycle production bases in 21 countries (as of April 2011) globally.

Hero is largely India based entity with over 98% of its sales limited to the domestic market. The ownership in the American company is expected to enable Hero to develop fresh technology and churn out new products faster as it compete with its erstwhile ally Honda amongst others.
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Bajaj Pulsar 150 Vs Hero Motocorp CBZ Xtreme - Comparing the best 150cc bike.

Selecting a bike in 150cc range is a problem for many riders as there are several bikes available in the range and its tough to decide which bike would be better for you. We are taking into consideration two bikes from top two brands in India Hero Moto Corp and Bajaj Auto Limited. Its quite clear than in 150cc range no other bike sells like a Pulsar. Many people don’t consider buying a Pulsar 150 saying its too common but why its common? Just because its the best Value for Money once could get and thus it sells like a hot cake even when new 150cc bikes keep coming. Here you would see few technical details which might help you buy your new 150cc bike.

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150cc Indian Bikes Comparison

Comparison between the 150cc Bikes in India like Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i, Bajaj Discover 150, Honda CB Unicorn, Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler, Hero Honda Achiever, Hero Honda CBZ-Xtreme, Hero Honda Hunk, Yamaha FZ16, Yamaha Fazer 150cc, Yamaha SZ-X, TVS APACHE 160 and Suzuki GS-150R.

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Hero Motocorp renames CBZ Xtreme, CD Dawn/Deluxe and Karizma ZMR PGM-Fi

Now as joint venture between Hero Group of India and Honda Motors of Japan has become stale news, both the companies have successfully established their independent flagships as Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motors and Scooters India Limited, respectively. Hero MotoCorp has now started working on its new strategy, that is, of renaming its bike which uptill now are being sold out with name of Honda, as according to agreement Hero may use name of Honda as goodwill on its bikes till end of 2014.

According to reports Hero CBZ Xtreme will be now known as Hero Xtreme, whereas Hero CD Dawn-Deluxe will renamed as  Hero CD Dawn-Deluxe  and Hero Karizma ZMR PGM-Fi will now be called as Hero Karizma ZMR Fi in future.

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2012 Auto Expo - Hero Motocorp unveils 3 new models

India’s Hero MotoCorp, which recently separated from Japan’s Honda, has announced the launch of two motorcycles and a scooter, a scooter 110cc Maestro, the 110cc Passion X Pro and the 125cc Ignitor. All three models have been launched under the new Hero brand name.

During the launch, Pawan Munjal, managing director and chief executive officer, Hero MotoCorp said,

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Auto Expo 2012 Preview

The theme for 2012 Delhi Auto Expo is ‘Mobility for all’. This edition of the expo will see around 50 new launches which includes both two and four wheelers.

With just a few days to go before the 11th edition of the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, here is a sneak peek into what two-wheeler manufactures have in store. The exhibition will have many two-wheeler makers introducing their products and other concept vehicles.

India has the world’s second largest market for two-wheelers. More than 1,500 companies from 24 countries will be joining the country at Delhi Auto Expo beginning from 7th January, 2012. Many new launches and showcases are expected at the mega show, including 9 new two-wheelers.

Delhi Auto Expo 2012 : Bikes showcase

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Hero Impulse - Go play the road

Play The Road...so says the tag line of the new bike from the stables of Hero Motocorp limited. Hero impulse is said to be the first of its kind on road -off road bike in India.
Hero Honda had beenthe ultimate name for bikes in India . With Honda starting an enterprise alone and the much publicized parting ways of Hero and Honda, there arose a new company called hero motocorp limited.It was Hero Honda in the new name.

Promotion for the new company was huge. With a new theme song by A.R.Rahman and advertisements in almost all the channels , Hero Motocorp limited made sure that the company will get its due share of publicity.

But the main part was in releasing a new bike without the technical skills of Honda engineers.

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