Motorbikes are a craze among young generation in India. To rake profits from the trend, companies have been introducing a variety of bikes—Pulsar, Apache, Blaze etc. The increasing craze of bikes has not only meant fashion-statement bikes but also rising prices of Indian bikes even threatening to touch six digits.
Growing bike market has also tempted cult-bikes like Harley Davidson, Yamaha, Suzuki to consider entering the Indian market. The prices of these cult bikes can be more than a mid-size car.
Just opposed to market sentiment, Hero Honda is planning to launch motorcycles in the price range of Rs 12,500-15,000.
At present, the cheapest bikes cost something between Rs 30,000-35,000 in the country. Even a out-of-trend scooter costs more than the planned Hero Honda motorbike.
Ever since Tata Motors announced their 1-lakh car, it was being looked at as a possible choice for those willing to purchase a motorbikes or upgrade for two-wheeler owners to four-wheelers. Paying twice the price of a motorbike for a car was within reach of many two-wheeler owners and was very tempting. “Why go for a bike if I can get a car for some more money?” attitude was seen as a serious challenge for the motorcycle manufacturers as the gap between 1-lakh car and motorbikes was narrowing.
The proposed motorcycle will not only restrain the shift from motorbikes to Tata’s cheap car expected to be available in market from next year but also create new consumers for motorbikes.
Environmental concern:
All said, the availability of low cost vehicles will put pressure on the already deteriorating air quality and increasing carbon emissions.
Cheaper vehicles, more owners. More owners, more fuel burnt. More fuel, more pollution.
My Dilemma
Should I be happy about the availability of low-cost vehicles in coming years or be concerned about the damage to the environment that is almost inevitable as vehicles become more affordable.
Image Source: Blog-city
Source: Business Standard
