TVS Motor Company has reported revenues of Rs. 896.13 crore for the quarter ended December 2007 compared to Rs.952.98 crore recorded during corresponding quarter in the previous year.

The figures for Profit before tax (PBT) and Profit after tax (PAT) during the quarter under review stood at Rs. 7.22 crore and Rs. 5.83 crore respectively as against the figures of Rs. 14.11 crore and Rs. 11.46 crore recorded in the corresponding period last year.

While motorcycle sales were lower at 176,158 units during the third quarter compared to 219,963 units over the previous period, the sales of scooters was higher at 65,253 units in comparison to 61,243 units during the previous quarter.

The motorcycle sales continue to be affected due to stringent norms followed by retail financiers, restricted availability and high rates of interest.

The company is looking at overcoming the slowdown in motorcycle segment through a slew of strategic brand initiatives planned for the fourth quarter. These new product launches planned for the fourth quarter, across various motorcycle segments, will provide more options for customers and help the company to leverage a larger product range in future.

Among the launches scheduled for the fourth quarter is the Apache RTR EFI. With this motorcycle, TVS Motor Company would, for the first time, be offering Electronic Fuel Injection technology in the 160 cc category, which will come with the additional benefit of the rear disc brake. The new technology will offer better engine smoothness, faster throttle response, lower emissions, good cold start and recovery, better idle stability, good drivability, better fuel economy and performance consistency at various altitudes and environments.

The company will also launch a new entry-level variant of the StaR Sport. This motorcycle will come with best of class mileage and reliability.

In the fourth quarter, TVS Motor Company will launch the new Scooty Teenz Electric Vehicle, which is an ideal balance of style and solid performance. The Scooty Teenz Electric, which would initially be launched in Gujarat, has a maximum range of 50 km per charge with long battery life and excellent utility space. Stylish and durable, the SCOOTY TEENZ EV will come in vibrant rich colours, refreshing graphics and will have stylish contemporary looks. Since inception, TVS Scooty has been at the forefront of putting women-on-wheels and the company had undertaken many unique initiatives targeted mainly at women. The much-appreciated 99 shades of the Scooty Pep+ has taken it into a new league. A customer can pick her preferred colour a choice of vibrant solids, glossy metallics and premium dual-tone pearl finish. TVS Motor Company also undertook the W-O-W (Women on Wheels) project wherein a 400 strong specially trained field-force, attached to the company dealerships spanning 90 cities across the country, conducted road safety seminar cum workshops and a unique 6 day familiarisation program on how to ride a Scooty. This was complemented with distribution of educational material on road safety.

Expanding its portfolio, TVS Motor is also gearing up to launch its three-wheeler variants in the fourth quarter. The vehicles will redefine all performance characteristics of fuel efficiency, reliability, comfort, convenience, safety and style to give pride of ownership to the driver. Powerful twin headlamps and bigger and brighter rear tail lamps adds to the style of the vehicle. Attractive interiors include stylish dashboard, dual tone high quality seats, cover below the driver seats in LPG & CNG vehicles and an integrated bumper. The vehicle is equipped with electric start in all versions to reduce driver’s fatigue. It has a spacious passenger compartment. TVS would leverage its existing extensive distribution & service network to enhance its presence in the three-wheeler market.

With new launches in the two and three-wheeler segments, the company forecasts a positive growth in the fourth quarter.

During the third quarter, TVS Motor Company formally launched the TVS Flame in Chennai. The new four stroke 125 cc Flame, fires up a revolutionary three-valve engine, which is propelled by Controlled Combustion Variable Timing Intelligent (CC-VTi) technology. Developed by the R&D team at TVS Motor Company in collaboration with AVL, Austria, the CC-VTi technology enables the bike to deliver highest mileage in its class while ensuring high power. The styling of Flame is inspired by the Delta Wing design found in the latest fighter jets. Termed “DeltaEdge”, this styling gives the bike a unique finish while creating superior aerodynamics. The futuristic styling and technology deployed in this motorcycle gives it best-in-its-class appeal.

AWARDS
In the 160cc segment, TVS Apache RTR 160 was conferred with four coveted awards at the Autoexpo 2008. Three juries including Business Standard Motoring, Overdrive and NDTV Car & Bike Awards adjudged the TVS Apache RTR 160 as the ‘Performance Bike of the Year’. This motorcycle also won the Design of the Year award at the Overdrive Awards.

TVS Scooty Pep+ was adjudged the No.1 Scooterette of the year by TNS Voice of the Customer, an award that was given away by Autocar CNBC Awards at Autoexpo 2008 in New Delhi.

EXPORTS
During the third quarter ended December 2007, the company exported 35,855 two wheelers recording a growth of 63% over the same period last year. Exports will continue to be a focus area.