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Few in India must have heard the name ‘Kymco’. Well! Kymco is the short form of Kwang Yang Motor Company and it is the world’s fifth largest scooter manufacturing company. The Taiwanese based company makes engines for BMW and scooters for Kawasaki. The motor company with its primary focus on two-wheeler has been doing well for itself in International Markets that includes south-east Asia, Europe as well as America. However, the Indian diaspora is more or less unaware of the brand. This makes for an interesting way ahead for the company which at the moment seems to be eyeing the coveted and upbeat Indian EV market.
As per KYMCO Chairman Allen Ko, KYMCO has been trying to penetrate Indian market for nearly two decades now. He also added that the company is in talks for a possible joint venture with some of the top two-wheeler makers in the country. KO, however, refrained from spilling any names about the potential partners. The rising Indian Middle Class is the new driving force behind the growing two-wheeler industry. The industry is now witnessing a growing consumer interest in comfort and convenience of scooters against the average small capacity motorcycles. KO feels that this is the best time for launching scooters in India. However, Ko wants to refrain from going all in. Rather he plans on partnering with an Indian manufacturer to understand the market better. Treading away from traditional lines, KYMCO will focus on the growing premium and electric scooter space.There is absolutely no clarity as of now though as to what products KYMCO will bring to India.
IONEX Platform and Charging App
The company has recently unveiled its all-new IONEX platform. The IONEX platform will ensure zero wait time for charging Electric Scooters. This is facilitated by portable/removable battery pack. Hence, scooter owners will be able to seamlessly commute anywhere and anyplace driven by the core battery, while charging their portable auxiliary battery at any charging station. KYMCO plans to install its own charging stations. Charging stations would mainly be located in public places. To ensure smooth and convenient charging, the company will operate app-based charging system. The mobile app will update users with important information like the nearest charging station, number of charged batteries, etc. Users will also be able to rent charged batteries on a pay-per-use basis.
Although for the time being it appears that KYMCO will initially make its India debut with offerings from its already existing product line. With its India strategy still not in place, the launch of any India-specific product seems a far cry for now. A look at the company’s product offerings reveals a wide range of scooters across all segments and capacity. Right from the single-cylinder engined 50cc ones to twin-cylinder engine powered 550cc ones, KYMCO has something on offer that caters to the needs and tastes of all. The mix-bag of offering comprises of 125s, 300s, 400s and electric scooters.
Read alos: TVS To Unveil Electric Scooters and Motorcycles At Auto Expo 2018
The flagship offering from the Taiwanese manufacturer is the AK550 powered by a 550cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that uses an 8-valve DOHC head. It churns out 54PS and 55 Nm of torque. The highlights are the radially mounted, twin petal discs up front and the Brembo-sourced brakes. In all likelihood, AK550 will be first in line offering for India from KYMCO. Allen Ko will, however, have his eyes fixed on the promises and opportunities held by the growing Indian electric scooter market. We expect a premium feature rich electric scooter from the KYMCO factory at some time in near future.
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