WheelSpeak

For over 15 years the two wheeler segment in India has not seen any significant new international brand entrants (except Honda). This is now changing, as Kinetic and SYM readies for the launch of a scooter from one of the world’s biggest and rapidly growing brand.

SYM or San Yang Motor Company, is part of (San Yang Industry Company Limited), a $1.1 billion automobile giant from Taiwan. A market leader since 1956, SYM manufactures a complete range of automobiles from scooters (50- 500cc), motorcycles, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and 4 wheelers in collaboration with the Hyundai Motor Company Limited. SYM is developing its own range of Light Commercial Vehicles to be sold under its own brand name.

SYM has a large global presence with 5 factories - in Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and now in India, with Kinetic. SYM has a family of over 1.22 crore satisfied customers globally and holds the number one position in Vietnam’s bustling scooters segment, competing with Japanese brands. SYM exports to several countries and is the fastest growing 2-wheeler brand in Europe.

SYM credits its success to its superior R&D achievements that include development and perfection of key technologies like fuel injection, electric, 4-valve systems, ceramic coated cylinder technology. For example - all SYM vehicles come with a lifetime warranty on their engines in Taiwan. To reflect its high quality confidence, SYM has recently adopted a brand promise known as “Engine of Life “.

SYM has been recognized by 15 quality awards, and was also the only automobile major to win Taiwan’s leading Superbrand award in year 2007. SYM has a unique, specially created lab for NVH technology (aimed at reducing the irritation factors of noise, vibration and harshness) to deliver a silent, smooth and enjoyable riding experience. SYM is getting ready for entry into the world’s second largest two wheeler market: India, by way of its partnership with a pioneering company and well-established brand in two wheelers – Kinetic Motor Company.

Kinetic’s vast dealership network comprises of 400 dealers and 600 sub-dealers in India, over 30 years of experience in the Indian two wheeler industry and world class manufacturing facility at Pithampur near Indore, provides SYM a perfect platform to launch their international superior range of two wheelers in India. SYM partnership with Kinetic includes an 11.1% equity stake and a technical collaboration.

Mr. Chen, Executive Director, Kinetic-SYM, stated their plans for India: “India is a large, growing and changing market. We believe that the SYM two wheelers will provide a delightful ownership experience. SYM believes in bringing the best and latest products in every country that it operates in. For India also, we aim to launch products that are up-to-date globally.” The product could be a 125cc scooterette.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kinetic Motor Company comments, “We are very confident about this product range and our market research results have also been encouraging.”