M&M’s motorcycle sales slip 36%

Mahindra & Mahindra, which has been aggressively trying to make inroads in the n motorcycle market, has failed to create much excitement, with sales slipping 36% in November, from the previous month. Sales of the Stallio, a 110-cc bike launched by M&M towards the end of September, were just 1,706 units in November, against 2,664 units in October. The Stallio has to compete with segment leaders like Hero Honda’s Splendor and Passion brands and Bajaj’s Discover on pricing and power. It is M&M’s only motorcycle presently on sale and is priced at under Rs42,000 (US$934.61). Said Devendra Shinde, M&M’s vice president (marketing), two-wheelers: “We have got into the motorcycle segment for the first time and we are still learning.” (December 10, 2010)