Overall 2-wheeler growth 20%

Beginning the New Year on a spirited note, TVS Motor Company has recorded a growth of 25% in the number of motorcycles sold during January 2006 over the corresponding period in the previous year. The total motorcycle sales in January 2006 stood at 69,278 units compared to 55,639 units recorded during January 2005.

The company's total two wheeler sales in January 2006 clocked 112,909 units compared to 94,467 units in January 2005 recording a growth of 20%.

The performance in January 2006 represents the shape of things to come in the coming months. While the performance of new brands launched last year, in particular, StaR City continue to beat expectations, TVS Apache, the new 150 CC motorcycle in the premium segment promises to be a winner as it has already won several coveted awards for its overall performance and style.

TVS Apache performed a hat trick last month by winning the "best bike of the year" award from CNBC TV18 AUTOCAR India, OVERDRIVE and Business Standard Motoring. TVS Apache also won two top design awards namely "best design of the year" by BBC TopGear and "best indigenous design of the year" by OVERDRIVE. TVS Apache was showcased at the Auto Expo 2006 in New Delhi, and elicited encouraging response from the visiting public. The new motorcycle will be available in key markets by the end of February 2006 and with this launch the company plans to gain significant volumes and improve its presence in the premium segment of motorcycles.

TVS StaR City is amongst the few bikes that have crossed the sale of 50,000 units per month. StaR City has enabled the company to make significant inroads in the economy segment of the motorcycle market.

TVS Scooty recorded 17,957 units in January 2006 compared to 14,724 units in the same period last year recording a growth of 22%. Scooty Pep+ won the best "Scooter of the year award 2006" by OVERDRIVE and it continues to be a dominant player in the ungeared scooter category.

In the export front, TVS Motor Company continued its robust performance having exported 6,374 units in January 2006. Exports recorded a growth of 147% compared to the same period last year.