Kinetic Engineering Ltd joint managing director Sulajja Firodia-Motwani, "Honda is coming into the market very late (production slated for later half of 2001) and it is launching with geared scooters, a segment which is witnessing a decline in the Indian market."

Firodia-Motwani is of the view that building huge volumes will be difficult in this range. Also, till then, all existing companies will bring out a range of models into the market.

As for Kinetic's technical collaboration with Honda it continues for five years. Honda Motor Company is committed to provide technical assistance to Kinetic Motor Company by way of supplying parts and training. Exports of Kinetic scooters will be under the Honda brand and Kinetic would also be enjoying exclusive rights for manufacture and sale of the Kinetic DX, Kinetic ZX and Marvel range.

Kinetic's strategy to deal with increasing competition would be to widen its range of products and to reduce relying on any single product in the basket. In the pipeline is a slew of launches this year.

Kinetic is launching a 73 cc scooterette "Style" in September and is being pitched as the most powerful model in its category. It will be priced at around 25,000-26,000. Style will be a self-start scooterette with variomatic transmission, more leg room and storage space. The Style has been designed by UEN, leading designers from Taiwan.

The company has already launched a new variant of the Luna moped called Luna Superstar and will be launching 4-stroke motorcylces with Hyosung Motors, South Korea.

Firodia-Motwani is confident that the GF models with features such as 4 valve 4 stroke engine, dual cradle box chassis and transient power fuel control would be a success in the market.

Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.