Hero MotoCorp discontinues over half dozen bikes to make way for new-gen models

Hero Motocorp largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India has reportedly discontinued seven bike models. The move allegedly came in wake of new BS-IV emission norms and slow sales.

Also read: Hero MotoCorp hikes scooter, motorcycle prices by up to Rs. 2,200

The discontinued models include Karizma R, Karizma ZMR, Hunk, Glamour, Ignitor, Passion X Pro and the Passion Pro TR, reports Zigwheels. Karizma was the flagship motorcycle of Hero MotoCorp for a long time while the sales were not up to the mark after the revision in 2014.

The Hunk was also considered a compelling case in the 150cc segment against Honda Unicorn 150. However, no updates for a long time led to the eventual decline in its sales volumes. The Glamour and the Ignitor are 125cc bikes. The Gurgaon-based automaker recently launched updated Glamour and added SV in the name. The Ignitor is a clone of Honda CBF Stunner, but it failed to drive volumes.

Passion was one of the best-selling motorcycles of Hero. Though the regular variant is discontinued, Passion Pro i3S with i-Smart technology is still on sale.

The discontinuation move is likely to make way for newer models. Hero MotoCorp, in its latest press statement, said: "Having lined up a slew of new launches across various segments, Hero is confident of maintaining the growth trajectory in the coming months."

Hero MotoCorp's sales were at 633,884 units during May 2017 compared to 583,117 units in the corresponding month last year, registering a growth of 8.7 percent.

The Xtreme 200S, HX250 fully-faired bike and Dare scooter are the major models in the pipeline from Hero. All three models were on display at Auto Expo 2016.

Hero MotoCorp also started production at the new manufacturing facility in Bangladesh with an annual capacity of 150,000 units. This is Hero's second overseas manufacturing facility, first being the plant in Colombia set up in 2015.