TVS continues its investments in Africa; Celebrates one million TVS HLX motorcycles sold
by Oki Samson
Executive Vice President, International Business, TVS Motor Company, Mr. R Dilip
TVS Motor Company has announced that the TVS HLX series of motorcycles, which was launched in 2013, has crossed one million units milestone in sales – an incredible feat for an Indian motorcycle developed exclusively for international markets.
The TVS HLX series made its first foray in Africa and the brand was developed to cater to tough usage conditions of commuters. TVS Motor Company achieved this through extensive customer research, understanding of ride cycles, robust engineering and extensive field trials. This led to HLX becoming the benchmark for quality and a leader in its segment in Africa and across global markets. The 1 million milestone is a reinforcement of TVS Motor Company’s endeavour to continue offering superior products and complement them with dedicated customer satisfaction initiatives.
Trek Africa Newspaper spoke with the Executive Vice President – International Business, R Dilip, of TVS Motor Company about their plans for Africa, and Nigeria in particular.
TREK AFRICA: What are the plans for TVS Motor in Nigeria? How important is this market for you?
R DILIP: Nigeria is an important market for TVS Motor Company and we have been present here for over a decade. With the help of our distributor TVS Simba, our products have found acceptance in the market with TVS HLX becoming the fastest growing motorcycle in its category. The quality and reliability synonymous with TVS Motor Company has resonated strongly with our customers. Certainly, the investments made by the company and our distributor, particularly in our assembly plants and service centres based across the country, have been critical to this.
TVS Motor Bike
TREK AFRICA: What are the plans for TVS Motor in Kenya? How important is this market for you?
R DILIP: We have been present in Kenya for over 15 years. The wide product range and easy availability of TVS products have contributed to our popularity in the region. As in Nigeria, we have also set up an assembly plant in Kenya which serves the dual purpose of local hubs as well as creates job opportunities.
TREK AFRICA: Which of the products are doing well here?
R DILIP: Our leading brand in the African continent is the HLX series. Launched in 2013, it has stayed true to the brand’s promise of being a sturdy product which is highly reliable across tough terrains. TVS HLX has been instrumental in transforming millions of lives across Africa by providing an easy mobility solution for riders, as well as, becoming an employment generator by creating opportunities for riders. TVS HLX series is synonymous with fuel efficiency, durability and comfortable suspension. Thoughtful features such as USB mobile charger ensure that the customers are well equipped in areas of frequent power outage. The long seat and easy serviceability are unique selling propositions of the HLX series, and are particularly loved by its customers.
TREK AFRICA: TVS HLX has seen success across the globe. What are your plans for this product?
R DILIP: Our immediate focus is to ensure that TVS HLX is available across the entire continent of Africa. Today we crossed over 1 million sales across the globe and we are confident that TVS HLX will continue to do well in these regions.
TREK AFRICA: Do you plan to launch newer models in Nigeria the near future?
R DILIP: Launching new products is a continuous process. TVS Motor Company keeps customer insight at the centre of all our offerings which helps us identify the gap in their requirements and provides products accordingly. We will keep you posted as and when we launch these new products.
TREK AFRICA: Can you list down the products portfolio of TVS Motor Company?
R DILIP: TVS Motor Company provides two-wheelers and three-wheelers for both personal use as well as for commercial point-to-point transportation.
TREK AFRICA: Tell us more about TVS Motor Company?
R DILIP: TVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer and is the flagship company of the USD 8.5 billion TVS Group. We, take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We endeavor to deliver the most superior customer experience across 60 countries. We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys for four years. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years.
