Capitalising on the brand

The Kinetic Motor Company Ltd launched Kinetic Style, a 100cc scooter, in July this year. The Kinetic Style, targeted at the lower end of the market, with a 73cc engine, with a self-start mechanism, and is priced at around Rs 25,000.

This launch will be followed by a four-stroke version of the Kinetic Marvel around March-April 2000, which is expected to be "the most fuel-efficient scooter in the country", according to Sulajja Firodia Motwani, joint managing director, Kinetic Engineering Ltd. This model will be followed by a lower capacity 'scooterette'. An even lower priced version closer to the Style is also on the drawing board. The idea is to offer products at different price bands in each segment.

Two variants of the "totally indigenous four-stroke step-through motorbike", the K4 100 from Kinetic Engineering Ltd. were launched mid-July. These were the K4 ZX, an urban version in metallic colours, with top-end fittings, components and trimmings that cater to urban tastes, and the K4 SS, a no-nonsense bike with super-strong shock absorbers, in solid, rural colours, and split seats meant to meet rural riding conditions. The split seat converts to a convenient carrier to carry loads, necessary in a rural setting. Both new K4 variants are priced Rs 1,000 higher than the basic K4 model. The K4 costs around Rs 30,000, ex-showroom.

Kinetic recently unveiled plans for a range of high-end motorcycles with Hyosung Motors technology. Two models are to be launched, the 12bhp GF 125cc, and the GF 150cc, the latter expected to hit the road by Diwali this year. A new kick-start version of the Luna, a 60cc Luna Super Star was recently launched.

Kinetic is working on a brand new scooter model, which it hopes to launch in two years. An Italian design house has been commissioned to do the job, with a brief to design a contemporary family vehicle, retaining the same qualities that are the hallmark of Kinetic scooters -- comfort, convenience, auto gear. Plus three new features -- a four-stroke engine, keeping in view future emission norms, contemporary looks, and a price that is lower than the current Kinetic. "It has to have the same basic qualities that have endeared the Kinetic to our customers," says Ms Firodia Motwani.