Hero Honda announces new, hi-tech Karizma ZMR

Indian motorcycle market leader Hero Honda yesterday unveiled the Karizma ZMR, its ''next generation'' offering in its premium Karizma series. While the ZMR has a similar-sized 225 cc engine as its predecessor, it features the fuel-injection technology through the company's patented programmable fuel injection (PGM-Fi) technology. 

According to the company, the PGM-Fi technology translates to better fuel efficiency, more power and higher top speed. The ZMR will be compliant with BS-III emission norms which will come into force in April next year.

Priced at Rs91,000 in New Delhi, the ZMR will go on sale from the end of this month. It will be available in pearl white, moon yellow, panther black, sports red and vibrant blue. 

The company, which has a massive 59 per cent share of the domestic motorcycle market, said that the ZMR is being targeted at youngsters between 18 and 24. Hero Honda is planning an extensive marketing campaign with the launch, which would reflect the bike's contemporary styling and advanced technology.

"One of the key pillars of our strategy has been to consistently keep introducing new, advanced products and maintaining a balanced product portfolio. The ZMR is all set to augment our steadily growing presence in the premium segment," said Pawan Munjal, managing director, Hero Honda, at the function in New Delhi.

Lured by the rising numbers in the premium segment of the bike market (150cc or more), Munjal also promised to launch more models in the upper-end of the market. Currently, the bulk of Hero Honda's sales come from the lower end of the market.