Hero MotoCorp launches brand 'Hero' in Nepal

Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (HMCL), the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, on Tuesday launched brand 'Hero' and its range of two-wheelers in Nepal, marking the new brand's foray into the country.

Hero MotoCorp also announced a partnership with the reputed NGM to bring it two-wheelers to Nepal. Under the alliance, NGM has been appointed as the distributor of Hero MotoCorp range of two-wheelers in Nepal. There products are being distributed through a network of more than 70 outlets spread across the country, with another about 30 new outlets to be added in the next one year.

Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, launched the new brand 'Hero' in the presence of Dr. Roop Jyoti of NGM. The highly-popular Nepalese cricketer and youth icon Binod Das introduced the 150 cc high performances motorcycle - Hero Xtreme, while the stunning miss Nepal 2012 Shristi Shrestha unveiled the scooter - 'Pleasure'.

Speaking at the glittering ceremony, Munjal said, "Nepal has been a very important market for us, and we have always had a loyal customer base in this country. The fact that we have chosen Nepal as one of the first international markets to launch our new brand identity is indicative of the significant role this market plays in our plans to expand our global footprint. I am sure the rich experience of NGM in this market and knowledge of the local customer will go a long way towards further strengthening our business here."

"Our vision is to provide convenient, fuel-efficient mobility to every customer, and with our wide range of products, we are committed to serving two-wheeler customers across Nepal. We are confident our products will appeal to customers across a wide price spectrum and create a new benchmark for mass mobility in Nepal," he added.

The range of Hero two-wheelers which will be available in Nepal market include successful brands across categories - the entry-level segment (HF Deluxe and HF Dawn); the Delux segment (Splendor Pro, Splendor NXG, Super Splendor, Glamour & Passion Pro); and the premium segment (Karizma AMR, Hunk Xtreme and Achiever), and the scooter Pleasure.

Highlighting the brand building initiatives that Hero MotoCorp will undertake in the local market, Munjal also presented a preview of the Nepalese anthem with its theme of "There's a Hero in each of us". The anthem which is a remarkable portrayal of the company's brand essence is composed and originally sung by Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman.

The Indian version of the song has already acquired an iconic status, the company claimed.

Hero MotoCorp will also soon commence its exports to new international markets in Africa and Latin America in order to reach the stated objective of 10 per cent of its total volumes from international business in the five years.

Earlier this year, Hero MotoCorp (formerly known as Hero Honda Motors Ltd.) forged alliances with the US-based Erik Buell Racing (EBR) for high-cc bikes and Austria-based AVL for engine technologies. It has also been scaling up its own in-house R&D capabilities. Through the strategic partnership with EBR, Hero MotoCorp has also made its debut in the exciting world of international motorcycle racing, by participating at the AMA Pro Racing National Guard Superbikes Championship in the US.

Early this month, HMCL also formed its third international technology alliance with renowned Italian two-wheeler designing firm Engines Engineering.

The New Delhi-headquartered Hero MotoCorp Ltd. has been on continued growth path since embarking on its solo journey over a year ago. The company reported its highest ever fiscal sales of over 6.2 million two-wheelers in 2011-12. nepalnews.com