On Cloud nine with an overwhelming reception to its ultra premium bikes in international auto markets, the Hero Eco Group is working out plans of launching A2B electric pedal electric bikes in the domestic market. The company is a part of Hero MotoCorp, the country’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, and could introduce the A2B pedelec in India by the end of 2013 calendar year. The Hero Eco Group’s ultra premium A2B pedelec motorcycle range is expected to bear retail costs up to Rs. 2 lakhs in the country.
Expressing his views on the company’s future plans of bringing A2B bikes, Naveen Munjal, Managing Director (MD), Hero Eco Group, has been quoted as saying, “We are evaluating the options to launch our product - A2B bike - in India. (Currently) we are studying the market and decision will be taken in next 6 to 8 months.” At present, Hero Eco Group is displaying its ultra premium A2B pedelec range at the Bicycle Expo going on in Ludhiana. The bikes are offered with a price tag of Rs. 1.5 lakhs at the exposition.
As per reports, Hero Eco Group has already sold some 8,000 to 9,000 units of A2B pedelec motorcycles in over 22 overseas nations, including the likes of US, UK, Canada and Germany in the past 12 months. Hero Eco Group’s A2B bikes can run up to a maximum of 70 km on a single charge of 3 to 4 hours and are powered by the in-built Lithium ion (Li) batteries. The bikes come fitted with a regenerative braking system, which activates battery recharge process as and when it goes into idle position.
Munjal affirmed that the potential market for A2B pedelec is below 1,000 units per year in the Indian two-wheeler market, but believes scope is there in the southern and western parts of the country. Munjal also said, “The market for premium bikes like A2B in India could be a few hundred.”
