Sector Update | 4 September 2017
Automobiles
Scooterization wave to intensify
Penetration of scooters to improve gradually in the rural markets
We met Mr Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President (Sales & Marketing), of
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI). He expects scooterization in the Indian
2W space to continue, going forward – the share of scooters is likely to increase to
~40% of the overall 2W market in the next 2-3 years (from 33.7% in YTD FY18),
overtaking entry-level motorcycles to become the single-largest segment. He
mentioned that the pace of scooter penetration in the rural markets has been
slower than expected at the moment, but should increase gradually, led by an
improvement in road infrastructure. Deeper rural penetration is the next focus
area, with HMSI aiming to take scooterization beyond urban areas with the launch
of the rural-focused ‘Cliq’. The company is expected to be the biggest beneficiary
of the upcoming CBS norms (up to 125cc) due to its technological edge and tried-
and-tested models.
Scooterization to continue, more scope for further penetration
HMSI sounded optimistic on scooter demand, expecting the share of scooters in 2Ws
to continue increasing to ~40% over the next 2-3 years. Increasing acceptance of
scooters as a family product, easy ride/comfort, improving road infrastructure and e-
commerce continue driving sales in the urban/semi urban areas. There is a gradual
increase in the acceptance of scooters in the rural markets with an improvement in
road conditions. India is likely to follow trends of ASEAN markets, where the share of
scooters in the sales mix is as high as 75%. Markets like Indonesia/Vietnam/Thailand
almost run on scooter, and India could see similar penetration over the long term.
“With
better road infrastructure,
co-usage in a family and more
women entering the work-force,
the primary requirement of riders
in Tamil Nadu has evolved from the
mileage and price conscious 110cc
motorcycles to the more
convenient and unisex automatic
scooters.
Now nearly every 2nd customer
chooses to ride home on a scooter
with mopeds witnessing a sharp
decline. CLIQ is developed for the
up-country customers with a
progressive mindset, and is a true
disruptor in the 100-110cc
segment. CLIQ challenges the
traditional preferences with its
perfect blend of Practicality,
Versatility and Value for money.
”
YS Guleria,
Sr. VP, Sales and Marketing
HMSI, at a launch of Cliq in
Tamil Nadu
Scooters to be single-largest segment, overtaking entry-level motorcycles
HMSI expect scooters to grow to become the single-largest segment in domestic
2Ws, overtaking entry-level 100cc motorcycles over the next 2-3 years. HMSI
believes that there is still enough room for scooters to grow even in markets where
penetration is ~50%. Improving road infrastructure in rural areas and the declining
price gap with the launch of
Cliq
are expected to drive scooter demand in the rural
markets. This, along with the launch of suitable products (with aesthetics and
utilities like motorcycles), should help HMSI lead scooterization in the rural markets.
Cliq scooter targeted to compete against entry-level motorcycles/mopeds
With the launch of 110cc scooter – Cliq – priced at INR44.5k (ex-showroom Chennai
v/s Activa 4G variant priced at INR53.7k), HMSI aims to compete against 100cc entry-
level motorcycles (Hero HF Delux priced at ~INR45.5k ex-showroom Chennai) and
mopeds (XL100 priced at INR31.6k ex-showroom Chennai). It is targeted at the rural
market, with utility and ease of use in mind. It has motorcycle-like features such as
block pattern, off-road, on-road tyres, and optional luggage carrier/footboard
mounted luggage box for load. It shares the same platform as Activa.
Jinesh Gandhi – Research Analyst
(Jinesh@MotilalOswal.com); +91 22 3982 5416
Deep Shah – Research Analyst
(Deep.S@MotilalOswal.com); +91 22 6129 1533
Motilal Oswal research is available on www.motilaloswal.com/Institutional-Equities, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, Factset and S&P Capital.
8 August 2016
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Investors are advised to refer through important disclosures made at the last page of the Research Report.