Divya Trivedi

Ahmedabad, July 28 Electrotherm (India) Ltd, manufacturers of the electronic YOBykes, is targeting an increased market share in the 100 to 125-cc segment of petrol scooters such as Honda’s Activa, Mr Avinash Bhandari, Director, Electrotherm (India) Ltd, told Business Line.

“The research and development is going on and we are trying to develop high-powered vehicles with a bigger battery and motor, and a sturdier body. The appearance and performance of these will be similar to that of the petrol scooters,” said Mr Bhandari.

While the others in the electronic scooter segment are targeting speeds of less than 25 km per hour, Electrotherm has decided to directly compete with high-powered petrol scooters, he said.

Last year, the company launched the 75 cc high-speed YOSpeed, which has sold around 10,000 vehicles. Southern and Eastern India are the biggest markets for high-speed electrical vehicles. The total market size is for 25,000 electrical vehicles but is expected to grow to 50,000 vehicles, according to Mr Bhandari.

The company’s other bike — YOSmart — is in the less-than-25 kmph category, available for Rs 27,000, and is targeted at housewives, kids and elderly people. “This segment will continue to grow as it is cheaper, does not require registration, and is exempt from road taxes. For housewives, semi-professionals and school or college students this is a safe and convenient option,” he said.

“A recent data revealed that there are 30 lakh Vespa scooters of 25 to 30 kmph average on the roads and we are targeting this segment, to convert them to electronic scooters. It’s a huge market,” said Mr Mukesh Bhandari, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, speaking to presspersons.

Currently, the company manufactures Speed and Smart in a 50:50 ratio and will change the product offerings based on demand. The capacity of the plant at Shilaj Gam in Ahmedbad is 2,88,000 vehicles a year, he said.The company is targeting sales of Rs 1,325 crore in 2007-2008 and over Rs 2,000 crore by end of March 2009, he said. The company has 200 YOWorld 3S points — the one-point sales, service and spares outlets.

The company has trained 800 local garage workers across India to repair parts of the vehicle that are not available everywhere. It has also tied up with the Gujarat government to train students at Industrial Training Institute, Kalol for advanced generic training.

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