India's motorbike makers rev up premium segments http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSBOM22789120071130?sp=true
Fri Nov 30, 2007
By Rina Chandran
MUMBAI, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Indian motorbike makers, hurt by higher interest rates hitting demand and facing an imminent threat from cheaper cars, are launching bigger bikes that they expect will help protect margins and retain customers.
Rising incomes and a young population have driven demand, particularly for entry-level 100cc bikes in India, the world's second biggest market after China. Motorbike makers rolled out more than 6.5 million bikes in the domestic market in 2006/07. http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSBOM22789120071130?sp=true