Scooters zip in on 100-110cc bikes’ market share

Automatic scooters are all set to take over from 100-110cc commuter motorcycles as India’s biggest selling two-wheeler segment. As of now, the 100-110cc commuter bike segment is driven by Hero MotoCorp’s best-selling Splendor-Passion models. The bulge-bracket commuter bike market – which comprised nearly 50 per cent of the overall two-wheeler sales in India as recently as FY12 is now down to around 36 per cent with scooters nipping at its heels at 34 per cent. As a result, the gap between automatic scooters and the 100-110cc motorcycle segment, in terms of percentage contribution to the two-wheeler market, is now down to just 2 per cent from 30 per cent six years ago. Two-wheeler marketers say this trend will continue with improvement in rural road infrastructure and more women and elderly customers joining the two-wheeler customer pool, and scooters will drive ahead due to their multi-usage edge. “Commuter motorcycles in the 100-110cc segment have seen a 13 per cent drop in overall sales contribution to the two-wheeler market in seven years and we expect this trend to continue as rural demand for scooters picks up speed. Currently, only 15-20 per cent of scooter sales come from rural markets but it is increasing, and with better road infrastructure that will go up sharply,” said Y S Guleria, Senior VP (sales & marketing), Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India.