Hero working to extend fuel able tech to Splendor range

Country's largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp is working to extend its fuel efficient i3S technology, which helped improve mileage of Splendor iSmart model, to other sub-brands under the Splendor range.

"As per the latest (March, 2015) Fuel Efficiency (FE) values, Splendor iSmart returned a mileage of 102.50 kilometer per litre," a Hero MotoCorp spokesperson said. The fuel efficiency of the Splendor iSmart model has been certified by the iCAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology), he added.

When asked if the new technology could be extended to other models, he did not comment. Industry sources, however, said, Hero MotoCorp is working on extending the i3S technology to some of the other models in the Splendor portfolio.

The i3S technology helps bikes to automatically shut the engine when idling and turns it on, when needed, with a simple press of the clutch, giving more mileage in congested cities.

Splendor iSmart has gained traction in the market gradually and has already clocked over 3 lakh units in cumulative sales since its launch just about a year back.

The Splendor portfolio continues to be the largest- selling motorcycle brand in the world, selling over 2 million units every year. Hero MotoCorp has recently added two new variants to the Splendor family the Splendor iSmart and its first cafe racer bike Splendor Pro Classic.

While the Splendor iSmart is available at Rs 50,000, the Splendor Pro Classic sells for Rs 50,500 (both prices ex-showroom Delhi).

The Splendor franchise includes other models such as Splendor +, Splendor Pro and Super Splendor (125cc), priced ex-showroom Delhi at Rs 45,500, Rs 46,650 and Rs 53,600 respectively.

For the financial year ended March 31, 2015, Hero MotoCorp sold 66,31,826 units, up 6.2 per cent from 62,45,960 units sold in 2013-14 fiscal.