Mumbai: In keeping with its vision of becoming a major player in the Indian motorcycle industry, Yamaha Motor India has announced a three-pronged strategy for the market.

In the coming year, the company will focus on:

Consolidation and upgradation of its dealer network: Having already set benchmarks in providing customers with globally driven standards in product quality and service, Yamaha Motor India is now chalking out a blue-print to capture the leader's spot in the area of customer satisfaction.

The initiatives include specific dealer orientation and training programmes, upgradation of dealer facilities, to enable the company to further its commitment to providing the highest quality of service to its customers.

Strengthening of supply chain: With an aim to streamlining its complete supply chain Yamaha Motor India will provide requisite technical support to its vendors.

The initiative will facilitate vendors in further improving their parts quality and cost structures.

Launch of new models: In keeping with Yamaha's worldwide dynamic image and commitment to the Indian market, the company will continue to introduce new models every year. For the year 2004, Yamaha Motor India is planning to introduce two new models in India - Fazer and Libero Lx.

"To be able to introduce new products and meet the anticipated incremental sales volumes, we are planning to invest Rs 100 crores in product development and expansion of our production capacities," said M Shibuya, managing director, Yamaha Motor India.

Mr Shibuya further added, "At present, our focus is to consolidate our position in the Indian market. A significant element of this focus area is to translate our R&D efforts into an unmatched value proposition for the Indian customer. Through our future initiatives, we endeavor to extend to India the international Yamaha experience that is aimed at touching people's hearts - be it service, unparalleled product quality or proven technological prowess."

The first step forward in this direction will be the launch of Fazer in India. Developed keeping in mind the economy conscious customers who desire comfort and style, Fazer is a unique amalgamation of international design trends, characteristic Yamaha performance and the desired qualities of affordable pricing and superior mileage.

Scheduled to be launched by mid 2004, Fazer will have a reliable 125 cc, 4 stroke SOHC engine that delivers high economy, optimum power and meets EU-II emission norms. A stylish offering, Fazer will come with dual headlights, stylish masculine fuel tank and aerodynamic bodylines. The bike also promises a comfortable ride owing to high rigidity frame and balanced suspension. The model will be available in five colours.

Prompted by the success of Libero, Yamaha Motor India will launch a new variant of the bike - Libero LX at the Auto Expo 2004. The launch of this new variant will enable Yamaha to further widen its customer base in the Indian market.

Libero LX keeps the basic features of more comfort, more mileage and international style intact. Sharing the highly appreciated Libero engine platform and its durable chassis, Libero LX comes with a round multi-reflector headlight and new meter cluster. Priced at Rs 39,800 (ex-showroom Delhi), Libero LX will soon be available across 450 strong Yamaha dealer network.