'Honda Motor can be No 1 two-wheeler maker if slowdown continues'
Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co today said it could become the number one two-wheeler maker in India by 2015-16 if the current market slowdown prolonged.
The company, which today unveiled its new 150 cc bike CB Trigger, termed Bajaj Auto as a more formidable rival than erstwhile partner Hero MotoCorp, the present market leader.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI)--the Indian two-wheeler arm of Honda-- is at second position in terms of sales of two-wheelers in the country, after Hero MotoCorp. Bajaj Auto occupies the third position.
According to industry body, SIAM's data, HMSI has sold 23.67 lakh units during April, 2012 and February, 2013, Bajaj Auto's sales stood at 22.82 lakh units. Hero's total sales was 54.61 lakh units during the same period.
"Today the market is almost 1.4 crore (units) in India.
So, if (it) remains (at the) same level, no growth happening, we may become number one in 2015 or 16," Honda Motor Co's Operating Officer Shinji Aoyama told reporters here.
He added Honda sees Bajaj is as a bigger rival and not its erstwhile partner Hero.
"In terms of numbers, still Hero is number one but very frankly speaking, the consolidated power, including R&D, sales network there, including many of these elements, I think Bajaj is very strong. Bajaj is very good at creating alliance..." he said.
When asked about its rivalry with the Hero group, he said that the market leader will continue to lose its share, while his firm will continue to grow its shares.
"You will witness actually HMSI
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