Chennai: After foraying into the three-wheeler segment, country's two-wheeler major TVS Motor Company Ltd today said it will soon launch a gearless scooter in 8-9 months and a sub-one-tonne goods carrier by next year.

"Next year we will launch a sub-one tonne goods carrier and a diesel-powered three-wheeler," TVS Sr Vice President (International Business and 3 Wheelers) H S Goinde said.

When asked about this sudden shift in focus from being a two-wheeler company to manufacturing three-wheelers, Goindi said the recently launched three-wheeler will contribute only Rs 200 crore to the company's turnover, which is not a very significant amount. The focus is still the two-wheeler segment and this is just to add to company's profits.

Two-wheeler sales have been constantly under pressure as it sold only 13,773 motorcycles in February this year compared to 19,194 units last year, a decline of 28.24 per cent.

Yesterday, TVS launched its 200cc three-wheeler named TVS King priced between Rs 90,000 to Rs 1.30 lakh. Apart from the domestic market, TVS Motor will also export its TVS King to countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Latin America, Nigeria and others.

Country's No 2 motorcycle maker, Bajaj Auto Ltd, is the top three-wheeler maker. Others in the segment include Mahindra Mahindra, Piaggio, Force Motors and Atul Auto.

Source : UNI