Kanpur based, LML (Lohia Motors Limited) as geared up for a re-entry into the Indian two-wheeler field. The company has already introduced the LML Select four stroke scooter in North India and is planning a new model assault in a bid to regain the position it once enjoyed in the Indian market.
As of now we are sure of the company re-launching LML Freedom by the end of 2011, with engine capacity in the range of 100CC to 125CC. Besides the motorcycle, the launch of a 200CC scooter is also in the pipeline and in all probability it is expected to be scheduled for September, 2011. These products will mark LML’s re-entry into the motorcycle market.
The launch of the Freedom will set the comeback of LML into motorcycles, as the company was restricted to manufacturing and selling scooters post the entry of Japanese rivals. The company needs funds and is seeking private equity or dilution of stake to fund development of new products for the Indian market. The 100cc LML Freedom will rival the Hero Honda Passion Pro, with the 125cc model being targeted against the Bajaj Pulsar 135LS.
“We felt that Freedom still has an after-life simply because there is a section of satisfied consumers still using the motorcycle. We still have the old platform but the new Freedom will be a much-evolved product, which would be differently engineered with a new engine,” PS Choudhary, head, marketing and sales, LML, said.
Apart from the Freedom, the company also plans to launch a brand new scooter, the retro look Star 200, which is going to be based on the PX150. The scooter is currently being exported and we can expect that to hit our shores by September, 2011. The scooter will be more of a lifestyle machine, and will thus be prices at a slightly higher price of around Rs. 60,000.
The scooter features a parabolic front headlamp, Chromium plated hand grips with revamped and improved instrument panel. The Star is powered by a 200cc engine, that produce 11.5bhp and around 14.5Nm torque which allows high performance at high and low rpms and is Euro3 compliant. The scooter promises a fuel efficiency of around 50kmpl.
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More pictures of the LML scooter & motorcycle –
