Honda Unicorn: Serious (cosmetic) upgrades!

I know I have backdated this so it fits, but it completes the chronology. Here's the Unicorn release in full.

Honda Revs Up For the Indian Two – Wheeler Market

• Targets 27% growth in 2007-08
• Launches New Sporty Unicorn
• Launches “Unicorn Grand Prix” to celebrate 2006 Moto GP
  win by Honda
• Eyes over a million sales to be a top group company
• Aggressive sales strategy with introduction of new models in 100 cc
  & higher cc Bikes
• Undertakes rapid Network expansion

New Delhi, March 19, 2007: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), a 100% subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company, Japan - the largest manufacturer of two wheelers in the world – today announced the launch of a new look sporty 150 cc Honda UNICORN.

In 2006-07, HMSI sold 7.2 Lac units. In 2007-08, aggressively plans for 9 Lac units with a growth of 27% and eyes over a million sales to be a top group company. “We have emerged as the 4th largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India by growing faster than the industry year after year. We are now targeting rapid expansion of our business in future to be one of the top group two wheeler companies in India by 2010”, said Mr. Yukihiro Aoshima, President & CEO, HMSI. New Sporty UNICORN Dressed with looks that surpass benchmarks of admiration and envy alike, the new Honda Unicorn exhibits international Sporty styling at its best. Apart from a classy double tail lamp and a masculine fuel tank, this racing wonder also flaunts a stylish front cowl, body gelling graphics, robust black plated engine and sporty alloy wheels.

According to Mr. Yoichi Mizutani, Director – Sales & Marketing, HMSI, “The New Sporty Unicorn is borne out of Honda’s belief to constantly innovate to fulfill aspirations and needs of the target customers. The consumer expectations have evolved since we launched Unicorn. Consumers today seek not only performance but also expect their products express their individuality. Existing Unicorn is already a benchmark for exhilarating performance in its category.

With its international Sporty look, the new Unicorn is now further strengthened to meet expectations of young customers in India.” Powered by a Honda 4-stroke, 150cc engine and incorporating cutting-edge technologies developed by Honda’s global R&D team, Unicorn is an engineering masterpiece. With a powerful 13.3 bhp engine, Unicorn clocks 0-60 kmph in an amazing 5 seconds delivering the best pick-up in its class. It is engineered to ensure a perfect balance of pick up and mileage and delivers an incredible 60 kms to a litre with its aerodynamic body and a very refined engine from Honda that develops high torque at practical operating speeds.

Fitted with the state-of-the-art Mono-suspension and a strong and flexible Diamond frame, the Unicorn is crafted to render only the smoothest drive. The Unicorn is the first motorcycle in India to have puncture resistant Tuff-up tube. The new Sporty Unicorn is priced competitively at Rs 58,150/- (ex-showroom Delhi), Rs 55950/- (ex-showroom Pune), Rs 57550/- (ex-showroom Bangalore), and Rs 58575/- (ex-showroom Kolkata).

The New Sporty Unicorn will be launched nationally on April 9th, 2007. To celebrate Honda’s Moto GP sweeping win of all the titles of Team, Rider & Constructor championship, HMSI today also announced the launch of its “Unicorn Grand Prix” for the bike enthusiasts in India.

Present for this Launch function was Mr. Tadayuki Okada- the Chief Tester of Honda RC212V for Repsol Honda, Konica Minolta Honda, Camel Honda & Telefonica Movistar Honda racing teams, who actually tested the bike Honda RC211V that Nicky Hayden rode to win the 2006 Moto GP Championship. The Bookings for the “Unicorn Grand Prix” bike will start from second week of May 2007. A total of 2,500 units will be available till June 2007.

The “Unicorn Grand Prix” bike is priced at Rs59425 /- (ex-showroom Delhi) “To achieve the growth target, we plan an aggressive Sales Strategy. Along with the introduction of new models in the market, we are undertaking rapid network expansion,” said Mr. Yoichi Mizutani. In 2006-07, HMSI has developed 100 Dealers & Branches, thus registering a total of 391 operational outlets.

In 2007-08, HMSI plans to rapidly expand network to 693 outlets which is 170% up than 2006-07. This will enable HMSI to reach closer to customers and to achieve the set aggressive targets.