HMSI launches Lead motoscooter in Europe  ( March '8,2003, ET)

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has launched a 102cc motoscooter called 'Lead' in the European market. The four-stroke motoscooter would initially be exported to Germany, Italy and Switzerland followed by other European countries.

Lead is a variant of HMSI's existing sporty model called Dio which was launched in the Indian market last year, a company release said on Friday.

HMSI plans to export about 12,500 units of the motoscooter this year which has been modified according to European norms.

A motoscooter is a two-wheeler combining the style and aggressive form of a motorcycle with the comfort and convenience of a scooter.

"In accordance with our plans to utilise Honda global network, HMSI is now expanding its export business to developed countries like Europe. We are today launching a product designed to cater to the European market - Lead," HMSI president and CEO Haruo Takiguchi said.

The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese two- wheeler giant Honda Motor, already exports its Activa and Dio models to South and Central America, Africa, Middle East and Asia.

"Lead marks the beginning of models produced in India, exclusively for the international market. With this, we have taken another step towards making HMSI an important supply base for Honda's global market," Takiguchi said.