Yamaha strengthens the 125cc segment with the launch of the economical and practical – ‘saluto’

April 21, 2015

A family-use motorcycle offering one of the best fuel economy in 125cc class with a full array of practical functions, all at an affordable price.

India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd., today announced the launch of its revolutionary new offering ‘Saluto’ for the Indian Market. The eagerly-anticipated launch took place at The Leela Palace, Chennai in a glitzy event organised by Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. (YMIS), a group company that has been established to independently support IYM in Sales & Marketing of its products.

The new 125cc Saluto is based on the concept of “Economical & Practical Indian Family Motorcycle”. The new model is the lightest vehicle in the 125cc class and has been developed as a family-use motorcycle with practical performance at an affordable price. Based on the Blue Core Engine Development ideal, it is powered by a new engine with a more compact combustion chamber than previous 125cc models released by the company. Thanks to its thoroughly-lightweight design, the new model has the lightest weight in its class at 112kg, which in turn improves fuel economy by approximately 10% as compared to the company’s previous models in its class. The Saluto boasts of a mileage of 78 kmpl. Catering to the needs of the Indian market, where carrying a pillion passenger is frequent, the new Saluto’s suspension, footrests and seat are setup to enhance comfort. The new model has a resin tank cover, which adds to the motorcycle’s dynamic styling. The new Saluto will be manufactured by Yamaha Motor’s group company, IYM (India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd.) and sold by YMIS (Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd.).

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Masaki Asano, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. said: “The two wheeler market in India reached 16 million units in 2014, thereby, becoming the world’s largest two-wheeler market. The Motorcycle market constitutes about 68% of the total two wheeler market at 11 million units. Out of this, the 100-125cc motorcycle class is the largest category at 9 million units, comprising almost 83% of the market. This is due to the economical nature of the category (including fuel efficiency and prices) and its practicality as it is highly praised by those purchasing a motorcycle for the first time, for pillion use, or for sharing with the family. The new Saluto is intended to expand sales in the largest demand category in India by offering one of the best fuel economy performances in the 125cc class”.

The new offering has been designed keeping in mind the needs expressed by 125cc class customers and that included a priority on fuel economy, along with affordable pricing, a want for a 125cc bike because of the lack of performance with 100cc or 110cc class bikes, a desire for a model with a discreet (composed) look befitting a family bike, practicality and designs that are different from existing models, and a priority also on an exterior with the look and feel of quality. In response to these market needs, the new Saluto was developed around the concept of an “Economical & Practical Indian Family Motorcycle.

It’s utility as seen by the company lies in the shared usage in the family for commuting, tandem riding, shopping trips and other local errands.