The Goan: So why didDSK group chose to be associated with Hyosung?
Shirish Kulkarni,Director, DSK Hyosung: Hyosung makes top of the line superbikes andcruisers and the best two-wheelers in the 250 CC and 600CC segment. Hyosung isa trusted Korean brand that has tasted success in the automobile industry. Ouraim is to bring these powerful superbikes to India since India has a growingbiking enthusiast population.
TG: Priced above Rs 2lakhs, isn’t it difficult to market Hyosung’s bikes especially in Goaconsidering the cost factor?
SK: ITprofessionals, successful restaurateur’s, hoteliers, doctors and engineers wanta lifestyle product that enhances their status by having a Hyosung parked intheir garage or look forward to owning a powerful bike which gives them thethrill of riding on the weekend. Professionals who can afford an expensive andpowerful bike don’t mind spending that kind of money. Hyosung’s sports bikesand cruisers are made for those pleasant long rides which people don’t mindinvesting in. The cost is a little high right now since the bike is onlyassembled in India. Maybe once we have a production line in India the cost willreduce considerably. Goa is tourism based economy and also has a large NREpopulation that would love to own a classic bike to use on their vacation orweekends.
TG: How do you lookat competition from Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki who are establishedplayers in the Indian market?
SK: I agree it’shard to penetrate an existing market considering these bikes are produced inIndia and are cheaper but Hyosung has unique bikes in the 250 and 600 CC rangeand our products have been consistent since hitting the markets in July 2011.Hyosung unlike Kawasaki and others has not pulled out of the market like theNinja. People will opt for a Hyosung for its quality and consistency.
TG: What are yourfuture plans for Hyosung?
SK: We want tobring the entire fleet of two-wheelers into the Indian markets and give peoplea choice of the best motoring experiences. Hyosung by 2015 will have its ownproduction line in India and produce most of its parts in India thereby cuttingcost and making Hyosung bikes cheaper while a quality engine will continue toroll from Korea.
