A Yamaha low cost bike is in the making. Internally called the Project Indra (Innovative and New Development based on Responsible Analysis), the think-tank behind the project will comprise teams from India and Japan working together on this ultra low-cost commuter, which is expected to be aggressively priced around Rs. 30,000. To keep costs down, Yamaha is seeking the participation of suppliers, even before fixing the drawing standards and specifications.
The bike will be manufactured at the Japanese manufacturer’s new Chennai plant, a 180-acre facility which will be commissioned in the coming months. Inside the facility, sections will be allotted to eight Japanese vendors who are part of the drive which include KYB (Kayaba) for suspension, Sakura for job systems and other suppliers for casting and alloy wheels. Injection molding and painting will have dedicated suppliers as well.
Yamaha also says that once the bike is launched sometime in 2016-17, half the production would be exported to Africa- a lucrative market for low-cost commuter motorcycles like these. Eventually, as demands soar, more countries will also be added to the list.
Regarding the project itself, “The Yamaha DNA will be there in terms of excitement, affordability, fuel efficiency and performance. No other competitor can afford this kind of package and customers will get much more in our bike,” says Sanjeev Paul, Group Head, Purchase, Operation, Yamaha India. Expect it to be powered by a 100-110cc air-cooled four-stroke engine mated to a 4-speed gearbox.
Source: The Hindu Business Line