Francis Fabian Fernandes, 63, lives in Margao and has been around the world. Four years ago, when he decided to buy a scooter, he brought home a Vespa, which to him is really beautiful and elegant. Fernandes said, “I have been riding a Vespa since 2012 and it has never failed me. I have already clocked about 21,000 kilometers on it. I use it for all purposes, whether going to market or church”
At Rs 75,000 plus price for a 125 cc scooter, Vespa is clearly expensive than other options available in the market. But, at the same time, it is easily the prettiest scooter in town. Scooters are almost always bought for day-to-day purposes like going to office and market, dropping kids at school and etc. Most buyers wouldn’t fret too much about the looks of a scooter; but for a niche segment, Vespa’s single piece steel monocoque chassis is clearly a cherry on the cake.
Evencio Quadros, chairman and managing director, Quadros Group, said, “Scooters dominate in Goa as they account for around 80 percent of two-wheeler sales while motorcycles make up for the remaining 20 percent. People typically prefer a motorcycle for a long-distance ride, but in Goa we don’t have very long distances and that’s why people prefer scooters more. Besides, people prefer a scooter for moving around within a city.”
Most auto-dealers agree that motorcycles are for young buyers, in the age group of 18-30, while the rest prefer a scooter-ride also because it is gear-less. At one point in time, the scooter market in India was dying, as motorcycles took over. That’s when Honda Activa and stepped in and revolutionised the scooter segment single-handedly. Many years after its launch, it still rules the market. Vinay Kunkolienkar from Goa Rajee, an authorised dealer of Honda said, “The company assures mileage of 60 kmpl for Activa. Besides, after-sales service is first-grade. Availability of spare-parts is good too. In case a dealer doesn’t have a part, the company makes it available to him within 48 hours so that the customer doesn’t end up wasting time waiting.”
What really works for Honda is the fact that there is an Activa for everyone. For example, Activa 3G is aimed at families, Activa i with its more peppy looks is aimed at students and Activa 125 is aimed at corporate executives. Activa 3G and Activa i both are 110 cc scooters, while Activa 125 is a 125 cc variant. Besides, Honda also has Dio, which is aimed at women riders.
The scooter market in Goa and elsewhere in India is dominated by 110cc variants. Manufacturers have launched 125cc as well for those who want a more powered drive. Suzuki Access leads the 125cc segment. Quadros said, “People who want a good pick-up go for Access. Besides, a 125 cc scooter has enough power to navigate the terrain of Goa, which has too many ups and downs.
Recently, TVS has made significant inroads in scooter market in Goa with its Jupiter, which too is an 110cc scooter. Paresh Thaly, managing partner, Thaly TVS, said, “Jupiter is bought mostly by men although it is ideal for both men and women. To my mind, only college students go for motorcycles, which have gears. Most other people prefer going for gearless scooters, which are really comfortable to drive. Moreover, there is a place in front and under the seat in scooters to keep luggage, which motorcycles don’t have.” TVS too has focussed on having different scooters to attract other segments. Thaly continued, “We have Scooty Pep Plus, which is a 90cc scooter. It is for those people who want a really light drive. Typically, girls prefer this”
Yamaha is gearing up too. As of now, it hasn’t had much success in scooters, but its Fascino has got quite a few buyers and good reviews too. For customers, this is the best time as manufacturers are launching new variants on a regular basis. Manufacturers too are having a ball as people, who have a motorcycle, are also buying scooters to drive short distances.
