Hero Honda launches CD-Dawn

Company press release, April 17, 2003

New Delhi

To further consolidate leadership, Hero Honda, the World's No.1 Two-Wheeler company, today launched its new 100 cc motorcycle, CD-Dawn, to replicate similar success in the motorcycle's basic segment.

CD-Dawn is targeted at India's substantially sized 1.5 million unit basic segment, that contributes almost 30 per cent to the total Indian motorcycle market.

The company's intensive nationwide consumer researches' findings and the critical feedback from its Passport programme members, combined with projected India's changing demographic and psychographic characteristics has encouraged the company to come out with this 'New Value' winner.

The company's continued focus on value engineering and indigenisation has substantially contributed in offering such a high value proposition to the customer.

Positioned at the population seeking fast and independent mobility at an affordable price, CD-Dawn, a 7.4 bhp engine, has been attractively priced at Rs.31,899-/ ** (New Delhi ex-showroom price,) and exemplifies the company's strategy to increase its dominance in the economy segment.

Commenting on the company's first launch in the fiscal year 2003-04, Mr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Limited, said, "Fuel efficiency, riding comfort, reliability have been the long standing strength areas of all our products. Keeping the inherent strengths of the brand intact, we have introduced CD-Dawn with an additional attraction of price. Besides appealing to the first time motorcycle buyers, CD-Dawn would also attract the scooter and moped upgraders."

Explaining the company's growth strategy, Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director, Hero Honda Motors Limited, said, "The company's existing scale of operations and unmatched efficiencies in its process and systems has allowed us to come out with this attractive value pricing for such a good quality model. I am confident that this product is a win-win equation for both the customer and the company, and would provide the Hero Honda experience to many more customers."

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Atul Sobti, Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Hero Honda Motors Limited, said, "Comprehending and addressing the customer requirement is a capability the company has consistently showcased for the last two decades. Customer has been the key influencing force for all our initiatives. Research and valuable customer feedback have been the guiding stars for us. With utmost confidence, I can say that CD-Dawn will bring reminiscences of the 'fill it, shut it, forget it' era. It is a mass market model and is expected to increase the company's sales base this year."

CD-Dawn's fuel efficiency of 87 kmpl*, combined with its advanced features promise comfort, safety and stability, over long distances and on rugged terrains. Its tubular double cradle frame imparts the extra strength to the motorcycle. Its strong front telescopic hydraulic shock absorber and swing arm with hydraulic rear shock absorber provides cushioning against the bumps on rough roads, reduces motorcycle's wear and tear, and ensures a smooth ride. A 10.5 litres capacity fuel tank encourages long drives, with minimum visits to the petrol stations.

The motorcycle has been fitted with a wide 2.75 mm rear tyre and a 2.50 mm front tyre to provide stronger road grip, better braking and safety.

Maintaining Hero Honda's efforts towards providing world-class service, CD-Dawn would also have a two-year warranty.

Anticipating the motorcycle's usage for night riding, the motorcycle's headlight has been fitted with a 35 W halogen bulb.

CD-Dawn would be available nationally through Hero Honda Motors' wide network of over 1500 sales and service points, spread across the length and breadth of the country.

CD-Dawn would be initially available Black (two styles), and Candy Red, and will be available in the market from April 21.

The motorcycle will be manufactured at the company's state-of-the-art Dharuhera plant.

* Under test conditions

** City specific price, after adjusting the company's celebration offer

For further information, please contact:

Vivek Syal

Sr. Manager- Publicity

Hero Honda Motors Limited

Tel:011-6142451; 98100-84481

Rajiv Bakshi/ Sheetal Sadhu/ Deepika Thapar

Corporate Voice Weber Shandwick

Tel: 011- 6936834 / 35; 98109-99796