Defying its dismal performance in 2008-09, Chennai-based TVS Motors is eyeing double-digit growth in 2009-10 on the backdrop of recently launched 2009 version of Flame, called SR125, followed by the 180cc Apache, and an upcoming scooter and a motorcycle in next four-five months.

?TVS is aiming at 12-14% growth in the current financial year as we have started billing of the new TVS Flame from June onwards and the company is gearing up to come up with a new bike in the executive category followed by another scooter in next five months,? says HS Goindi, president (marketing), TVS Motors, adding that the company is eyeing 8,000 to 9,000 units of new Flame a month by the end of 2009.

According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, sale of TVS Motors registered 1.36% drop in 2008-09 at 11,36,344 units as against an increase of 2.6% in total two-wheeler sales in the country in the last financial year, at 74,37,670 units.

Though Goindi refused to talk about the latest ruling of Supreme Court on Flame, sources say the new SR125 will omit the controversial twin-spark plug technology over which the Chennai-based company is locked in a two-year old legal battle with Pune-based Bajaj Auto.

The Supreme Court?s interim order issued last week had allowed TVS to continue producing the Flame series but had restricted the company from marketing them. The order comes on the back of an interim stay from the Madras High Court that had, in effect, given a go ahead to TVS? plans to manufacture Flame. Bajaj claims that Flame will be an infringement of its patented twin-spark plug technology. TVS Motors, on the other hand, has countered this arguing that it is an old technology and that Bajaj had no patent claim over it.

TVS Motors posted 5% growth in domestic sales in May at 1,18,574 units as against 1,12,770 units during the same month last year.

…lines up 3 more launches in next few months

TVS Motor Company on Monday unveiled the Apache RTR 180 equipped with both electric and kick start. The bike is priced at an introductory Rs 63,990 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The company is working on a slew of new products, both in scooter and motorcycle segment, which will be launched over the next few months. After Apache RTR 180, TVS is all set to enhance its portfolio with three more launches. The company plans to launch a new motorcycle SR125 this month, which is essentially the same controversial Flame but under a new name. The bike will cost approximately Rs 45000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Apart from the SR125, TVS also plans to launch one product each for the scooter and motorcycle segment respectively in another 4-5 months.