Earlier this month, Honda launched CB 150F, its latest performance bike. With a slew of security features, new tech and a better design, the bike was slated for a positive response just like Honda’s 70cc and 125cc bikes which have been trendsetters in the industry.
However, a bleak shortage has made it near impossible to acquire the new 150cc bike.
According to media reports, Honda CB 150F is not available in authorized dealers’ showrooms, especially in Karachi – the biggest market for motorbikes in the country.
Most dealers only have a single bike up for display and are asking buyers to book the bike in advance and wait at least 45 days for the delivery to take place.
The CB 150F carries an official price tag of Rs. 159,000. However, dealers are asking customers to pay around Rs. 180,000 to get the bike, perhaps signaling as a price increase. Any change in price has to be paid at the time of the delivery.
Dealers have confirmed that Atlas Honda Limited (AHL) isn’t supplying enough bikes to meet the demand and despite two weeks since launch, the bikes still haven’t been delivered. The company has only shipped two to three bikes to every showroom and is asking the dealers to avoid advance booking of the same.
Despite an increase in production, during the past two years, Honda has become notorious for low supplies or rising premium (own rate) for immediate delivery of its CG-125 and CD70cc bikes. Of late, AHL’s production has increased from 750,000 units a year to 1.35 million units per year, thanks to its new plant in Sheikhupura.
According to Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association, during July to April 2016-17, Honda produced 798,640 bikes compared to 674,851 bikes in the same period last year.
Experts are of the view that AHL has either completely failed to meet user demand or its dealers have been creating an artificial shortage in order to make extra profits by asking for heavy premiums for immediate delivery of a bike.
