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PUNE, DEC 8: Kinetic Engineering is set to enter the motorcycle segment. The first four-stroke bike is expected to roll out in July 1999.
Meanwhile, Kinetic Honda Motor Limited is to be rechristened as Kinetic Motor Company after the transfer of 50.92 per cent share held by Honda Motor Co to Kinetic Engineering Limited (KEL) on December 24.
Kinetic Engineering joint managing director Sulajja Firodia Motwani said Kinetic will be going on its own into the motorcycle segment with only design and few other inputs coming from a foreign company. These agreements will be signed in around a week's time.
"We want to have a presence in all the categories in the two wheeler industry and motorcycle is a logical extension," she said.
The rationale behind the foray into manufacturing motorcycles is that it would offer significant volumes and contribute to turnover growth.
The Koregaon-Bhima plant which manufactures the K4 100 cc step-through motorcycles will be used for manufacturing the new four-strokemotorcycles. Only some incremental investments will be required for the motorcycle project.
Kinetic has entered into a five year license and technical assistance agreement with Honda Motor Co. under which Honda will give technical knowhow, critical vehicle parts and access to Honda's export market even after the sale of Honda shares in KHML.
This is the first of its kind joint venture for Honda. This means Kinetic will be able to export the Honda brand scooters ZX and Marvel to 55 countries through Honda distributors. Exports contribute 10 to the turnover and is expected to go up to 15 per cent this year.
Motwani stated that the Marvel model was gaining popularity in Turkey and many of the South American countries. Honda sold its 50.92 per cent stake in KHML to KEL. The acquisition was made by KEL at a cost of Rs 35 crore. The share transfer of 77 lakh shares at Rs 45 per share from Honda to KEL will be completed on December 24 after which Kinetic will not be using the Honda's name.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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