Kathmandu

The year 2015 remained very dull for the Nepali two-wheeler industry as it was already marred by the April 25 Earthquake followed by the economic blockade and acute fuel crisis. However, of late, the motorcycle market is gearing up to make a comeback with new launches and special offers.

Some bike dealers have already introduced new models of bikes and scooters while some are planning for new launches. Similarly, a majority of dealers are coming up with aggressive marketing strategies to boost their sales.

“Economic blockade coupled with acute fuel shortage had an adverse effect on two-wheeler market,” said Poonam Singh, Head of Marketing at HH Bajaj, authorised distributor of Bajaj Motorcycle. “Although months long blockade had lowered the market by around 80 per cent, the demand for bikes is still the same,” she informed, adding that the industry is heading towards speedy recovery.

According to Singh, Bajaj is planning to introduce many new models of bikes including new Avenger series and V range. “We are expecting the industry will revive in the near future and we are working out for impactful strategies to help improve the sales,” she added.

Meanwhile, Suraj Shrestha, Media Coordinator at Syakar Trading Company, authorised distributor of Honda, shared, “The domestic two-wheeler industries have been largely affected by the continuous short supply of fuel and its effect can last long.” Citing that Honda could not meet its set target for the last year due to unwanted circumstances,he said, “We are optimistic about the days to come as we have already started to receive a sizable number of inquiries about our bikes and scooters.”

Informing that Yamaha fell short in their sales target due to blockade and acute fuel shortage, Deepak Rauniyar, AGM, Sales and Business Head of MAW Enterprises, authorised distributor of Yamaha, said, “At present, the domestic two-wheeler market seems to have improved quite a lot but it is yet to make a comeback in full swing.”

Stating that now consumers are not anymore in a state of wait and analyse the market instead they are demanding for the products, Rauniyar believes, “The major factor to direct the industry into back on track is the aggressive sales strategy with special offers.” He further said, “We are hopeful about the better of the industry during the upcoming Nepali New Year 2073.”