Atlas Honda launches its upscale CB150F bike

After helping develop the motorcycle market in Pakistan with successful models in the category of 70cc, 125cc and a fast emerging 100cc bike, Atlas Honda Limited has launched a 150cc motorcycle, the CB150F, to cater to the higher-end segment.

According to the company, due to robust growth in the per capita income and emergence of a strong middle class, Pakistani motorcycle market is gradually shifting towards higher engine capacity.

“The Pakistani two-wheeler market has experienced a steady growth in higher displacement bikes and has started attracting a new customer segment,” says Saquib Shirazi, CEO, Atlas Honda.

“Bikes with engine capacity of 125cc and above have depicted an annual growth rate of 10% over the last three years,” he adds.

The new CB150F is a bike that incorporates the latest technology at an affordable price. It comes packed with a number of safety features including magnetic ignition protection that ensures the use of only the original key to operate the bike, car-type speedometer visibility, strong tail protection and protective chain guide system. The 150cc engine comes with a five-speed gearbox and front disc brakes and is priced at Rs 159,000.

Atlas Honda is the leader in the two-wheeler segment followed by Yamaha Motor Company (100cc and above), Suzuki Motorcycles, Habib Motorcycles, and other Chinese companies. The company has also recently invested $160 million ($110 million by AHL and $50 million by vendors and group companies over the period of five years) on new launches and capacity enhancement projects. The annual capacity of Atlas Honda plants after the expansion is 1.35 million units per annum and according to Afaq Ahmed, GM Plants, Atlas Honda, the current year’s sales are on target for achieving over one million units for the first time. The company also exports some models to Afghanistan and Bangladesh; Atlas Honda exported 7,321 units in 2016-17, compared to 6,459 units in 2015-16.

Talking about their plans, Ahmed said the company is looking towards better export opportunities for other models. “We have a dedicated department that keeps on looking for opportunities for exports. We are also looking forward to enhancing our product line with more higher-end models in coming days to offer an array of choices to our Pakistani customers,” adds Ahmed.