Hero MotoCorp unveils three new models ahead of 2012 Auto Expo

India’s leading two-wheeler company unveiled three of its new offerings that the firm will eventually introduce in the Indian market as a part of its 2012 line-up. After ending its 27-year long partnership with Honda, the Indian firm is out on its own and is committed to keep its lead in the market unfazed and undeterred by the onslaughts from its rivals. The company has plans to further hike its production capacity from existing 6.1 million units to 6.5 million units by this year-end, distributed between its existing three facilities.

The reason for Hero MotoCorp to not partner with another firm and instead go solo is to put the Hero brand on the global map, for which it is critical for the firm to have presence in international markets with suitable products. As a result, the company is heavily investing into developing its R&D division and it has already tied-up with over 130 firms nationwide to help further expand the business.  Exports will definitely play an important role in helping Hero MotoCorp make its presence felt in global markets and the company has set sights on South Asian and Latin American markets as strong export territories. On the local front the company is ready with a plan to roll out about seven to eight different models/variants over the next few months, three of which the company showcased ahead of the 2012 Auto Expo. Below mentioned are all the details about the three new models from Hero MotoCorp.

Hero Maestro

First to be unveiled was the 110cc Maestro scooter that was previously shown at the company’s brand unveiling held in London. The Maestro is powered by a 109cc air-cooled single cylinder engine that pumps out 8.2PS of power at 7,500rpm. Targeted at the youth looking for a stylish and funky scooter, the Maestro does boast of sportier design and appeal. The Maestro also gets Integrated Braking System, similar to the Combined-braking system found on the Honda Activa, where both brakes operate simultaneously for better stopping power. There is impressive storage space on the Maestro with central compartment as well as sizeably large under-seat storage space. The instrument console too is a combination of analog-digital meters. The Maestro will soon be out in the market and it will be priced competitively against the existing competition.

Passion X Pro
Adding another product to its illustrious portfolio of commuter motorcycles, Hero MotoCorp unveiled the Passion X Pro 110cc motorcycle alongside the Maestro scooter. Once again with new sticker job and somewhat revised styling, the new Passion X Pro employs a frugal 109cc engine that produces 8.7PS of power at @7,500rpm. The stylish and sportier X Pro also gets tubeless tyres and MF battery for low maintenance and improved convenience and it is available in with an option for a front disc brake for the interested buyers.

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Ignitor
The other significant model shown by Hero MotoCorp was the ‘Ignitor’ – a 125cc sporty offering that builds on the rising craze for polished and exciting 125cc motorcycles. Styling is identical to the Honda CB Stunner 125 albeit with the front quarter-fairing furthermore revised presenting the Ignitor with much more aggressive and athletic stance than the CB Stunner 125. Its 124cc engine gives 11PS of power at 8,000rpm and is fed by a CV carburettor for instant response.

The models were only unveiled to the media and the company did not make any announcements on the pricing or the expected launch date. However, expect the launches to happen soon with some more new variants to be added to these models as the year progresses.