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Kathmandu Wednesday February 20, 2002 Falgun 08, 2058.
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‘Enhancing quality prime
concern’
Masahiko Shibuya, Managing Director of Yamaha
Motor India Pvt. Ltd, was in the capital in respect to his job of visiting the
distributors and taking stock of the current situation particularly for the motorbikes
manufactured by his company. Graduate in Economics from the Rikkyo University, Japan,
Shibuya has been working for the Yamaha Motor Company, Japan in various capacities at its
different overseas offices since 1969. Speaking to The Kathmandu Post on the current trend
of bike manufacturing and consumption, he said that enhancing quality of products is their
prime concern. Excerpts follow:
TKP: What is the global trend in
motorbike market?
Shibuya: Buyers in Europe
and the United states prefer sophisticated highly-powered motorbikes while the consumers
of Asian countries go for durable, sturdy bikes suitable even for rough roads. And of
course, the price is lower compared to those fancy bikes.
TKP: Has not the global recession
affected the sales of motorbikes?
Shibuya: Perhaps, bike is
one of those few products whose sales have not been affected by economic slowdown. Bikes
sell even in difficult times. For instance, the sale of bikes has not gone down even after
the September 11 US attacks. Secondly, the market is also recovering.
TKP: Why have you established
manufacturing plant in India?
Shibuya: India is the second
biggest market for motorcycle. China is the biggest market, but the bike market is nearing
saturation whereas the Indian market is stable and predictable for at least coming five
years. There is steady rise in the demand for motorbikes in India, which has an estimated
annual growth of 25 to 35 per cent.
TKP: How are you preparing to face
competition with Chinese bikes?
Shibuya: We pay undivided
attention to upgrading and maintaining the quality of products. We have acquired 100 per
cent ownership with an immediate mission of increasing market share in India and
strengthen the position by enhancing the over all quality of our products. Fuel
efficiency, sturdiness, suitable for both urban and rural areas, easy availability of
spare parts and sleekness are the advantages that enables us to face competition with
bikes of any makes. Our strength lies in customer base.
TKP: What about price factor?
Shibuya: Initial price is
not the determining factor for the sale of bikes. Our bikes are known for low maintenance
cost and prudent buyers always go for power, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance cost.
And our bikes are reasonably priced too.
TKP: Do you have any plans to set up
manufacturing plant in Nepal?
Shibuya: Nepal is a very
potential and fast growing market, but to be frank, there is no such plan in the near
future as it still lacks the infrastructure and volume of business required for a big
investment. But I do not rule out the plan.
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