Japanese auto maker Yamaha is planning to increase its market share to up to 10 percent in next three years. The company has recently launched three new variants of its various models including a new model in the Indian market. It is also ramping up its dealership network in India to increase sales and penetrate deeper especially in the rural markets. Yamaha sold 2.2 lakh units in India last year which is quite small compared to the 94 lakh two-wheeler units sold last year in India.
"Last year, the motorcycle market was down worldwide and demand dropped 20-30 per cent, mainly due to the US. Yamaha is now concentrating on the Asian market for growth. India is the most important market for us," Yamaha Motor Co Director and Managing Executive Officer (Motorcycle Business Operations) Yoshiteru Takahashi said. He was also optimistic about growth in the Indian market stating that the Indian arm of Yamaha intends to invest more to increase production capacity including production of scooters. Yamaha had budgeted investments of Rs 800 crores for the Indian market three years back and till date Rs. 600 crores have already been invested. "Our target is to sell one million bikes per annum in the next 3-4 years. If we can achieve that, we will contribute 10 per cent of our global sales then." Takasahi said.
