Two-wheelers costlier as HMSI, Bajaj, TVS hike prices

Leading two-wheeler manufacturers, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company have hiked prices of their vehicles by up to Rs 800, mainly to offset the impact of rising freight charges.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today said it has raised prices of its entire range of two-wheelers by up to Rs 800 with effect from April 1.

"We have hiked prices of all our models by Rs 200-800 from April 1. It is done mainly because of the impact of diesel price increase in recent times," HMSI Vice-President (Sales and Marketing) Y S Guleria told PTI here.

Due to a hike in diesel prices, freight charges went up and that had a cascading effect on all our expenditures, he added.

"Besides, recently insurance charges also increased. So, finally we decided to pass on some burden to consumers," Guleria said.

Likewise, the country's third largest two-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto said it has raised prices of its entire range of motorcycles by up to Rs 500 from last week.

"We have increased prices between Rs 300 and  Rs 500, effective April 12 to take care of increased logistics and other costs," Bajaj Auto President (Motorcycle Business) K Srinivas said.

When contacted, a spokesperson of the Chennai-based TVS Motor Company said the firm has already raised prices of all its models between 0.25 per cent and 0.50 per cent from April 4.

Diesel prices continue to be regulated, but the government had in January this year authorised oil firms to hike rates by 40-50 paise per litre every month till such time that the entire revenue loss on the fuel is completely wiped off. Oil firms raised diesel prices by 50-51 paise per litre on three occasions since then.

Post-hike, HMSI's three scooters Dio, Activa and Aviator are priced between Rs 44,718 and Rs 53,547. Its current range of eight locally manufactured motorcycles are priced between Rs 45,101 and Rs 1.77 lakh.

According to Bajaj Auto's official website, its entry-level bike Platina is currently available at Rs 39,293. While the Discover series is priced at Rs 44,800-52,940, the Pulsar range of motorcycles is offered between Rs 58,963 and Rs 70,321.

All the above prices are according to the company's official websites and are for ex-showroom, Delhi.