Yamaha aims to sell 5 lakh bikes in 2009

Yamaha is targeting sales of of more than half a million bikes, in 2009, in India. Yamaha is primarily focusing on its 100-125 cc bikes, and plans to launch more bikes in that category by 2009.  After the success of its premium bikes, Yamaha will now

focus on volume buys. Keeping in line with the plan, Yamaha will launch the 150cc air cooled bike FZ in October 2008.

Yamaha will add 80 new dealers in 2008, to its 430-strong dealer network in India. Yamaha also plans to restructure its dealership network in India and is toying with

the idea of converting these dealerships into concept stores.

Tsutomu Mabuchi, CEO and Managing Director, Yamaha Motor India has been quoted as saying that Yamaha is focused on setting up strong sales, services, dealership

and spare parts network in India.

Mabuchi also said that after restructuring many existing dealer may opt out, but it will make the required additions in that eventuality.

In the first six months of 2008, Yamaha has posted good sales figures largely due to restructuring and launch of new bikes. In 2007, Yamaha had sold about 1.20 lakh

units and in 2008 it is targeting a sale of more than two lakh bikes. Once the restructuring process in complete in 2008, Yamaha expects to sell half a million bikes in

2009.