Q&A: Shirish Kulkarni, DSK MotoWheels (Hyosung)

Hyosung recently split with Garware Motors and entered into a partnership with real-estate major DSK Group, which is also associated with Toyota dealerships. DSK Motowheels becomes Hyosung’s third partner in India after Kinetic and Garware.

CI: When did Hyosung enter India?

Shirish Kulkarni (SK): Hyosung entered India in April 2011, with the launch of two variants, GT650R and the ST7.

CI: How many models do you have in India? What's the price range of the bikes in India?

SK: We currently have four models in India. We launched our Hyosung bikes in India in April 2011, with the launch of the GT650R and the ST7. Since then we've launched two more models, with the GT650T and the GT250. The GT250 is priced at Rs 2.75 lakhs, and was launched in June this year.

CI: What are the sales numbers for Hyosung?

SK: We believe we are selling good numbers in the country. We sold 128 bikes of our GT250 model last month and have received a further 300 orders already. For the more powerful and expensive bikes,  the GT650R, GT650T and ST7, we sell about 20 to 25 bikes a month. There is a lot of demand in this segment, which has great potential. Very few companies have these kind of sporty bikes in India and we are in this segment. In the long run we expect this to be very beneficial for the brand.

CI: What are the marketing plans for Hyosung? Any advertisements coming up?

SK: We are currently focusing all our marketing efforts on the GT250 and are looking to be present on various levels. We are looking at all media. The first phase of our print campaign has just come to an end and we are now looking at launching print ads in local markets now. We are also in the process of creating our first TVC, which should go on air by the time the festive period begins, next month. We are looking to attract major numbers during the festive period.

    

  

CI: Which agency handles your creative and media duties?

SK: Our print campaign was created by Mash Advertising (A unit under Percept) and the TV campaign will be created by Power To The Rider. Our media duties are handled by Allied Media.