Hero MotoCorp Ltd., formerly known as Hero Honda, has launched its new name and logo at the O2 Arena in London. Amidst thunderous applause from hundreds of cheering dealers, employees and other associates gathered at the majestic O2 Arena on the banks of river Thames, the newly-formed company’s much-awaited new global brand identity was unveiled by Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman and Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp. Hero MotoCorp, which has separated from Honda Motor Company, has earmarked an investment outlay of US$1 billion in its operations over a period of next five years. While speaking to reporters in London, Pawan Munjal noted that the amount of the currently planned investment is equal to the amount invested by the firm over a period of last 27 years. The company will aim to 10 million units annually, over a period of next five years. The firm is now eying to generate an annual turnover of around US$10 billion with exports accounting for 10pc of total turnover.
Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman of the New Delhi-headquartered Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said “We have made a new beginning which is filled with a lot of promise. While we will always look back with a lot of satisfaction at our achievements over the past 25 years, we will also now strive to replicate this glorious performance on the global stage. While we have been able to achieve all this due to the contributions of all our associates, be it our dealer friends, suppliers or employees, I have no doubt in my mind that we would not have possibly reached where we are today without the trust of our customers. I wish to thank them from the core of my heart and assure them that the ‘Customer’ will continue to remain at the core of everything that we do in future too. I am certain that with our new range of products, services and ever-spreading network, Hero MotoCorp will continue to spread customer delight in every market that it goes to.”
Oscar-winning music composer A. R. Rahman has composed and sung the new theme song of Hero MotoCorp Ltd., titled “Hum Main Hai Hero”. Rahman was also present at the glittering function, which saw the reigning star of Hindi cinema, Shah Rukh Khan in the role of anchor. The event also marked the unveiling of the company’s plans for future growth through cutting-edge technology, next-generation product line-up, strategy for global expansion and innovative marketing initiatives.
Commenting on the occasion, Pawan Munjal said “The new Brand Hero epitomises continuity and change in equal measure. While its fundamental values and enduring beliefs ensure continuity, the new proposition and identity also signal change. The new logo stands for the new face of India – that youthful energy and ‘can do’ spirit. It is in true sense the "Indian Catapult" which signals that while it is deeply rooted in Indian values, it is also poised to go for global expansion - a Leap of Faith.” While further elaborating on company’s strategy in the Indian market, he added, "The company has already identified 30 countries as 'low hanging fruits' in Latin America, Africa and South East Asia." He added that the company is looking at all kind of options in these overseas markets that include acquisition or acquiring minority stakes in the existing companies or setting up new manufacturing facilities. Earlier, the joint venture with Honda was barring firm’s expansion in the major foreign markets as it was only allowed to sell bikes in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In India, a new parts plant will be established in Rajasthan while southern India is set to play host to Hero MotoCorp’s fourth manufacturing facility in India. Also on the anvil is an export oriented manufacturing unit in the western part of India, although the exact location still remains unknown.
Hero MotoCorp also announced two new products, the Hero MotoCorp Impulse, which is a dual purpose motorcycle and the Maestro, which is an ungeared scooter, for the Indian market, scheduled to launch later this year. While Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor unveiled the 150cc bike, cricketer Irfan Pathan introduced the 110cc scooter.
Addressing the over-1000 strong audience comprising of the firm’s dealers, senior employees and other associates who had travelled to the historic city from all parts of India, Pawan Munjal also outlined his vision for the young company. “In the next five to six years, we are aiming for a Perfect 10 – annual sales of 10 million units and annual turnover of US$10 billion with overseas business contributing about 10 per cent to our total annual volume sales. We have identified key countries in Africa, South East Asia and Latin America as our potential markets. We should be starting exports to some of the countries in Africa towards the next quarter of this fiscal. We are enhancing our Research & Development (R&D) set-up, hiring the best talent, and exploring opportunities for collaboration with international design houses and technology suppliers.”
The launch of “Impulse” creates a new experience in the Indian biking industry. The dual purpose on-road-off-road bike adds to the excitement every young man wants. The feature-loaded bike takes the rider where his excitement wants him to go by giving him freedom from roads. “Impulse” is loaded with versatile features including nitrox-gas filled mono-shock rear suspension which ensures a smooth ride on roughest of terrains, high ground clearance with large dial front wheel with stud-type tread pattern tyres and large front disc brakes which lets the rider traverse any road or any stretch.
Additionally, “Impulse” also comes with solid knuckle guards, sporty high mount muffler, large and raised durable sporty fenders, straight pull spokes and motocross seat for the real off-road experience. Digital Combi meter with “Service Due” indicator, clock and digital vertical bar display fuel gauge adds to the overall style which is irresistible. “Impulse” is going to be made available across Hero MotoCorp dealerships in five exciting colours - Black, Vibrant Blue Metallic, Sports Red, Leaf Green Metallic and Vibrant Orange.
The Hero MotoCorp Maestro scooter will feature a 109cc four stroke engine producing 8Bhp of peak power and 9Nm of peak torque, which is rumoured to be the same unit that powers the Honda Activa and the Honda Aviator given that it. The new 110 cc scooter “Maestro” comes with a New Generation V-Matic engine and Advanced Microprocessor Ignition (AMI) with TCIS for a flawless performance. Its variomatic drive delivers optimum power and seamless acceleration at all speeds. “Maestro” has a stunning digital–analog meter console, with service indicator that lets the user know when the service is due. Scooter is equipped with a combi-brake system, magnetic head ignition key with shutter and tuff-up tubes that gives you unmatched safety and convenience. The anti-slip texture of the floor area and foldable pillion foot peg adds to the safety of the rider.
The trapezoidal headlamp with visor and combination tail light console makes the “Maestro” an eye-catcher on the road. The “Maestro” shall be available in six exciting colors – Panther Black Met, Pearl Fadeless White, Force Silver Met, Pearl Harvest Green, Candy Blazing Red and Maestro Blue Met.