Kymco readies more excitement for 2003

Filipino bikers are in for a more exciting motorcycling year as Kymco prepares to launch its top-of-the-line sets of two-wheelers for 2003.

Manuel Sta. Cruz, president of S.C. Kymco Pilipinas, said they are gearing up for the introduction of an expressway-ready bike that has a minimum displacement of 400cc.

"People have been asking us to introduce a motorcycle that they can use on the expressway. Next year we’re coming out with one,"he said.

Kymco’s bike for the fast lane is the Venox, a Harley Sportster-looking cruiser that was first launched at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. Formerly just a 250-cc V-twin, the Venox’s powerplant will be upgraded to 400cc next year. "It can even be 600cc, depending on the demand," said Sta. Cruz.

Kymco will also be launching its first four-wheeled machine – not a car, but an all-terrain vehicle or ATV. Dubbed the MXer, this Kymco four-wheeler is meant to be used on sandy terrain such as beaches and dunes. The MXer will be available locally later this month.

Sta. Cruz added that the successor of the highly-successful Zing cruiser is also due to be released within the month. Called the Hipster, this easy-rider bike will come either with a 125-cc or a 150-cc single-cylinder engine.

"We owe the Filipino bikers the best products," Sta. Cruz stressed. "That’s why we keep on pushing our partners to develop high-quality and truly exciting bikes."

Kymco is the fastest rising member of the Philippines’ Motorcycling Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA), which groups the four biggest Japanese motorcycle makers, namely Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.

It is the MDPPA’s youngest member and the only one that offers scooters. Its scooters – ranging from 50cc to 250cc – are known and being enjoyed by millions worldwide.

This year, Kymco introduced in the Philippines the Grand Dink, a 250-cc touring scooter that served at its flagship model. Priced at P180,000, the Grand Dink was bought by affluent bikers who want the comfort of scooters and the stability of big bikes.

Because of the Grand Dink’s success, Sta. Cruz now is eyeing the introduction of a bigger and pricier scooter model. "We are planning to come up with a 500-cc scooter soon," he said.