Overview of Two Wheelers

Talking of the two wheeler industry, the names that effortlessly come to us is Bajaj Auto, Hero Honda, TVS Motor, Yamaha Motor, Kinetic and others. The two wheeler segment has played an important role in giving a push to the automobile industry in India. In fact, the production, sales and exports of the two wheelers is a fair indication of the growing importance that it enjoys in this country's manufacturing economy. An overview of the two wheeler industry makes this clear that the two wheelers are among the most sought after automobiles in India for some time and the trend is likely to stay for a while. The economic growth, need for better conveyance and gradually improving road infrastructure coupled with better credit and financing options, have acted as a major catalyst in encouraging the growth and development of the two wheeler segment in India. Further, the new and improved features on the two wheelers, their stylish and trendy looks and a rage with the country's youth who form a substantial influence in determining the consumer behavior have ensured that the two wheelers remain on top of the automobile industry's agenda in India.

Some of the features that deserve attention in respect of the Indian two wheeler segment are as mentioned:

• The total sale of two wheelers in India has touched a figure of 7.86 million units by March, 2007, up 11.42% from the previous fiscal figures of 7.05 million. Production during the period reached 8.63 million units.
• The production of two wheelers in India is expected to reach a staggering 17.85 million units by 2011-12, more than double of the current production level.
• The two-wheeler production capacity is to reach 22.31 million units in 2011-12 compared with 10.78 million in 2006-07.
• India is likely to export 1.39 million two-wheelers in 2011-12 compared with 590,000 in 2006-07.
• Total investment for new capacity generation in two-wheeler segment is likely to be more than $2.2 billion (INR10, 000 crore).
• Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor remain the leading players in terms of sales and popularity of their two wheelers.