 Yamaha
Motor India has launched an upgraded version of the radically styled Fazer
125. Taking heed of criticism of the lack of a front disc brake, the Fazer
DLX comes equipped with a 240mm front disc brake, replacing the 150mm front
drum. The DLX also comes equipped with an electric start. Mechanically the
125cc engine of the Fazer remains unchanged and she continues to soldier
along with the four-speed gearbox though there are rumours that a five-speeder
could be offered in time. The DLX is priced at a premium of Rs 3000 over
the standard version and retails for Rs 47,990
Along with the DLX, Yamaha has also introduced a limited edition version
of the Fazer that will be available only during the current festival period.
The limited edition has all the features of the DLX (disc brake and electric
starter) and adds to that catchy flame effect graphics that was first seen
on the fuel-injected Fazer displayed at the last Auto Expo. The leaf green
metallic and bluish white metallic graphics ups the style ante considerably
and makes for a head-turning motorcycle. The limited edition is priced at
a slight premium to the DLX and costs Rs 48,700.
Meanwhile Japanese parent Yamaha Motor Company forwarded Rs 200 crore for
re-capitalisation besides another Rs 100 crore for capacity enhancement,
thereby averting the Indian subsidiary from being referred to the Board
For Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR).
The company has also unveiled a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) whereby
the employee strength could come down from 2,400 to 2,000 by year-end.
Asserting that the wholly-owned subsidiary did not warrant referral by BIFR,
executive vice-president of the Indian unit A V Srinivasan said, “Yamaha,
Japan has infused a capital of Rs 300 crore through the preferential equity
route.” |
November 2004
