Hero MotoCorp U.S. Debut In 2015, Followed By Brazil In 2016

By Ganesh

Hero MotoCorp is gearing up to go global in a big way starting next year, first with the launch of its commuter bikes in the U.S, followed by entry into the Brazilian market in 2016.

Hero will initially launch its 110-125cc bikes and scooters in the U.S, followed by its larger capacity bikes such as the Hastur eventually. Here, Hero's products will be sold through EBR, a sports bike company in which the Indian company holds a 49.2 percent stake.

The two will also work together to develop products for the U.S market and Hero could also extend its stake in EBR in the future.

hero-in-us

Hero believes that there will be plenty of demand for its small displacement, fuel efficient models, especially in cities. It's two-wheelers will be imported into the country until its first fully owned manufacturing plant comes up in Columbia.

This new plant, being built with an investment of $70 million, will be ready to churn out two wheelers for the American markets, until another planned manufacturing plant comes up in Brazil.

Hero's products are currently undergoing homologation process in the U.S and will be launched during the summer of 2015, reports FE.

Coming to Hero's plans for Brazil, it is already in talks with potential distributors. Unlike the U.S, the Brazil already has a well developed small displacement two wheeler market, with established players, which will make things more challenging for the world's largest two wheeler manufacturer.

Also, since engines in Brazil run on ethanol, modifications are being made to Hero's engines with the help of one of its international technical partners, AVL.

At present, Hero exports its products all over the world, including to countries in South and central America, and a few African countries. The company also recently set up a manufacturing facility in Bangladesh, which it jointly operates with a local company. It has another JV operated manufacturing facility in Kenya.

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Article Published On: Saturday, June 14, 2014, 11:23 [IST]
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